Gospel Lectio Divina for The The Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God - January 1, 2023
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
READ
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.
MEDITATION
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph.
Why did the angel appear to the shepherds? I believe it’s to show that Jesus’ birth was not an isolated event or story. It wasn’t just something that Joseph and Mary would tell people, hoping they would believe. Heaven went out of its way to show that this is no ordinary story. As many people as possible need to tell it. And to know for sure that what the angel said to them was true, the shepherds went to see for themselves. In fact, they made it a priority. This shows how important such tidings would be if it were indeed true, if the Messiah truly had been born in Bethlehem. This is something they had to verify and then tell others about, so they could say ‘This is not just a rumor. We saw the baby ourselves, right where the angel said he would be.’
Readers throughout history can know that the story of Jesus’ birth is not folklore, legend, or myth because of the way the narrations anchor the events upon real-world people and places, genealogies and rulers. There would have been many chances for these people to dispute the story’s claims. But thanks to the shepherds and all others who testified about Jesus, we can know that this is a story like no other.
Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
Many of us are proud of our children for their accomplishments, gifts, talents, and skills. This may cause us to reflect upon who they may become when they grow up. I’m sure Mary had similar reflections, while knowing that her son was the Messiah. While she most likely did know that her son was the savior of the world, there were probably still many unanswered questions she had. ‘How will he accomplish his mission exactly?’, and ‘What role am I supposed to play?’ were probably among them. She must have pondered these things, while reflecting upon stories like the one the shepherds told her, stories that indicated that this child is indeed the Son of God, just like the Angel Gabriel announced at the Annunciation. Just as Jesus would do in his ministry, not only did the angel speak the truth. Reality also backed up what he said. Mary knew the truth, and she knew that she would have to endure great suffering just like Jesus, but meditating on what her reflections may have been is an opportunity to walk with her in faith. Let’s have faith that God knows best even when we are uncertain of his plans, like Mary did.
Glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.
Do I glorify and praise God for all that he has revealed to me? Despite all the answers to prayers and verifications of God’s word that I’ve seen and heard in my life, I still doubt. This is a good time to reflect on what God has shown me to strengthen my faith, especially when I ask him to strengthen it. He has not let me down. He has sent me messengers just like he sent the angel to the shepherds. He has advised me to go and see for myself if all he says is true. Each day is an opportunity to give praise to the wonders and mysteries of his love. Am I paying enough attention to see and hear 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.
This last sentence in this week’s Gospel passage is yet another affirmation of all that has occurred. Mary named him Jesus to affirm that this is indeed the boy the angel told her about, the Son of the Most High. She did indeed bear a son despite having no relations with a man. If she did have relations with a man, she wouldn’t have named the child the name that the angel told her to give him.
But there is another fascinating reality that can be easily overlooked. Gabriel told Mary the name the child is to be given “before he was conceived in the womb”. This means the moment of conception did not occur yet. It occurred when Mary gave her consent, her “Fiat”. Despite the perfection of God’s will and plan for our salvation, he still waited for Mary’s “yes” before he brought Jesus into the world.
PRAY
Dear Lord,
The shepherds in the field went to see Jesus, and gave you glory afterwards. What a beautiful testimony to the power of your presence. By simply going and seeing Jesus, they were filled with praises on their lips. Lord, if I would just be as ready as they were to give you praise, with every encounter I have with you, my faith would be so much stronger. Instead of trying to figure it out all the time–instead of doubting–if I would just give you praise, I would probably find more answers than I do by constantly second-guessing every gift and proof that you give me. Please give me the boldness to believe in you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
LISTEN
The shepherds were just minding their flocks when the angel came. Sometimes heaven intervenes in our lives when we are just going about our daily routine. These are the moments when we need to be attentive, then. As good as it is to set aside time to pray and listen to God, it is even wiser to keep our eyes and ears open for him throughout the day, every day. The shepherds had no idea that they would encounter an angel that day. May we receive similar blessings when we simply remain faithful while living our own daily lives.
Kilby is a freelance writer from New Jersey and managing editor of Catholic World Report. He received his undergrad degree in humanities and Catholic culture from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. In addition to working with the Knights of the Holy Eucharist (knights.org), he has served as a journalist for Princeton Packet Publications, and the Trenton Monitor, the magazine for the Diocese of Trenton. Some of his published work can also be found in St. Anthony Messenger, Catholic Herald (UK), and Catholic World Report. For the latter he is managing editor. Find more of his writing at ramblingspirit.com.