Saturday of the First Week of Advent
Today, the 1st Saturday of the month, is dedicated in a special way to our mother, Mary, who gave birth to Jesus on Christmas day, when “the Lord binds the wounds of his people,” as we read in the 1st reading. What better time than Advent should I remind Mary to give me and those for whom I pray a deeper insight into her son’s mission?
That mission is described in today’s Gospel. When I read it prayerfully, with Mary at my side, it becomes clearer, more challenging to me in a personal way. What Mary shows me is that Jesus lived emmeshed within crowds and it was to the people within the crowds that he brought his healing, joy and hope. Mary reminds me that I too am surrounded daily by others. Is Jesus my model for dealing with them? Do I ever ask our mutual mother for insight and help in this matter?
The Gospel then tells me that Jesus sent his apostles out to others to do his work. There are people I hear about who live in diverse parts of the world. I will never see them, but, thanks to the media, I learn about their sufferings and their fearful, joyless, godless lives. Do I ever recommend them to our mutual mother for her protection and care?
Resolve: During the coming week I shall ask our Lady to show me, and those I know, how to live in the spirit of the Advent season, to make each of us more aware of the needs of crowd in which her son has placed us and for those who live beyond our borders.