Today’s Thoughts: All throughout Advent and now into the Christmas season we have been reminded of the story of Mary, a simple woman, blessed, graced by God who when confronted with an opportunity to make a difference in the world – did, not just once but again and again.
At every turn in her life Mary took the opportunity not just to live through it – but to make a difference, not to just waste time or get through the moment – but to bring about the loving presence of God. She did it as the Holy Mother of God, she did it as a wife to Joseph, she did it as the mother of Jesus whom the shepherds spoke so wonderfully about, she did it as mother to the beloved disciple given to her at the foot of the Cross and she continues to do it as Mother of the Church for us. Perhaps in celebrating Mary as the Holy Mother of God this (afternoon, evening, morning) it gives us an opportunity to pause and think about the gift that mothers bring to our lives and through the intersession of Mary, the Mother of God, to ask God to bless, protect all mothers… Here are a few thoughts from others about mothers... “When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.” (Mitch Albom) “Parents rarely let go of their children, so children let go of them. They move on. They move away. The moments that used to define them - a mother's approval, a father's nod - are covered by moments of their own accomplishments. It is not until much later, as the skin sags and the heart weakens, that children understand; their stories, and all their accomplishments, sit atop the stories of their mothers and fathers, stones upon stones, beneath the waters of their lives.” (Mitch Albom) “The truth is, when our mothers held us, rocked us, stroked our heads - none of us ever got enough of that. We all yearn in some way to return to those days when we were completely taken care of - unconditional love, unconditional attention. Most of us didn't get enough.” (Mitch Albom) “There's a story behind everything…but behind all your stories is always your mother's story…because hers is where yours begins.” (Mitch Albom) “I don't know what it is about the food your mother makes for you, especially when it's something that anyone can make - pancakes, meat loaf, tuna salad - but it carries a certain taste of memory.” (Mitch Albom) “Being a mother is an attitude, not just a biological relationship.” (Robert A. Heinlein) “When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be. (Paul McCartney) "My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Mary, Mother of Jesus) “In a child's eyes, a mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent or filled with wrath, but she commands love either way. I am convinced that this is the greatest power in the universe.” (N.K. Jemisin) “Mothers and their children are in a category all their own. There's no bond so strong in the entire world. No love so instantaneous and forgiving.” (Gail Tsukiyama) Mom - “Without you there would be no me. I am everything reflected in your eyes. I am everything approved by your smile. I am everything born of your guidance. I am me only because of you.” Mothers are a power presence and force in our lives and Mary stands before us today as the Holy Mother…ever presence…ever reflecting…ever remembering…ever loving! In pausing to remember all mother especially our own…perhaps we might ask God’s blessing upon them and us as we begin a New Year through the intercession of Mary, our Holy Mother, using the words God gave to Moses in our first reading today from the Book of Numbers – May the LORD bless us and keep us! May the LORD let his face shine upon us, and be gracious to us! And may the LORD look upon us kindly and give us peace – today and throughout the New Year! Happy New Year everyone and have a blessed and joyous 2023. Have a great first day of 2023!
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
April 2024
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