Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 1, 2024

Date:  Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 Scripture Text:  Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.  When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 Today’s gospel reading from Luke reminds us of the LORD’s power and presence at work in our world for the sake of our salvation. Clearly, the LORD’s ways are not ours. The Almighty Father chose an unknown and humble virgin to bear His Son. The Son of God was born not in a palace but in a sheltering place for animals and laid not in a golden crib but a manger. The angels announced the birth of Christ not to powerful leaders and royalty but rather to the lowly shepherds keeping watch nearby.

“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” And Mary continued to honor the LORD’s will, naming her son Jesus as she’d been told by the Angel Gabriel. Mary’s faithfulness to the LORD and her surrender to the LORD’s will provides us with a powerful example of a faithful servant.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How well do I listen to the LORD? How hard do I try to live as the LORD calls me to live?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, during this season of celebration, remembering the gift of your only-begotten Son, we stop to ponder your unfathomable love for us and your desire for our salvation. Send your Spirit to open my eyes and mind to your wonders and my heart to your will. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.