by Father David Daly, LC
Luke 2:33-35
The child´s father and mother were amazed at what was said about
him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold,
this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and
to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword
will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be
revealed."
Introductory Prayer: Mary, show me the way to
follow Christ. You, more than anyone else, knew how to live as an
authentic Christian. You were the first Christian! Intercede for us
in heaven.
Petition: Mary, my mother, grant me the courage to follow Gods
plans for me.
1. A Sign of Contradiction. Jesus was a sign of
contradiction, and he calls his followers throughout the centuries
to be signs of contradiction too. How true this is for us today!
With each passing day the Christian faith appears to be more and
more contrary to the ways of our world: the culture of life versus
the culture of death, true family values versus hedonistic
individualism, relativism versus the truth that will set us
free.
2. A Sword Will Pierce Your Heart. If we are true
followers of Christ, we too will experience the sword that pierces
our hearts. What was that sword for Mary? It revealed itself in
many ways: the insults she received for being a virgin mother, the
sorrow she felt at the rejection of her son, the agony she shared
with him on Calvary. Through all these experiences, her heart was
united with Christs; she participated intimately in his passion,
death and resurrection.
3. The Thoughts of Many Hearts. At the foot of the
cross, Mary received the mission to be the mother of all
Christians. When Jesus said, Woman, behold your son, he gave all
of us to her as sons and daughters. Mary is also the best
intercessor, who, when we pray to her, will reveal our hearts to
Christ.
Dialogue with Christ: Mary, thank you for being
faithful to your son and remaining with him through the pain and
suffering of the cross. Your mothers love helped him triumph and
this same love will help me fulfill my vocation as an authentic
Christian. Teach me the courage to follow Christ in the faithful
fulfillment of Gods will.
Resolution: Mother, I resolve to visit you today
and ask for your help in facing whatever tough decisions come
before me.