Posts Tagged ‘Mary’
Flight
Image via Wikipedia
This is the story of Joseph, Mary and the very young Jesus fleeing to Egypt to evade the wrath of Herod, whom the Magi disobeyed when they returned to their homelands by another route and not back to Herod with the whereabouts of the new King. Herod, enraged, orders every male child 2 years and under killed.
By the time the Magi visit, Jesus and his parents are in a house in Bethlehem, out of the stable; their lives are in waiting for the completion of the census while their baby grows – and then, a new threat, a new dream and they flee hastily to Egypt.
I’ve always thought while Egypt gets the brunt of the “save my people, Israel” story, it also offered refuge to Israel in the time of famine after Joseph had ascended to power and now, certainly not the only time, Egypt again offers refuge for a persecuted family – though the reason for their persecution is suspect to the religious leaders of their day. However, this family had the testimonies of the shepherds and wise men; they had the dreams and direction of God through Her angels. Mary, certainly, knew in her heart if perhaps not always her mind, how special this child Jesus was to the world and God; Joseph, a godly man, trusted God and Mary – moving his family, re-starting his carpentry business wherever the Lord sent them.
How often have I moved in my life, seeming without direction or dreams, trusting God I’m doing the right thing? In hindsight, one move I regret but when I consider it carefully, would staying have really been so much better? I will never know but God uses us even in our weakness; He is always with us, always.
How are you using this time of Lent? Are you praying through the Ignatian Prayer Adventure? Do you have your own tools for observing, reckoning and living through Lent?
Related articles
- Escape to Egypt (bongodogblog.com)
Like this:
The Presentation
Simeon Greeting Jesus & Mary
I grew up thinking of Feb. 2 as Groundhog’s Day. Today is my youngest sister’s birthday, she whom my grandfather called “Shady Lady” because of the groundhog’s shadow. Only later, after becoming acquainted with a liturgical church year, did I learn of Candlemas or the Presentation of Jesus.
I think this is a wonderful tradition. Most years, we deal with snow, ice and gloomy dark; this has been an exceptionally warm winter – my mums are growing! I told them to stop. Simeon’s response to the presentation of Jesus at the Temple is my favorite Evening Office response:
Luke 2:25-35
King James Version (KJV)
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
When I take the dogs outside at night for “last call,” I look at the array of stars, of which some constellations I still remember; I marvel at the grace of God and how She loves us so much to pour Himself into a child whose death and resurrection redeems the world completely.
This coming Sunday, we are to bring a candle to church to celebrate Candlemas. The sun will be shining while the Son is enjoined into our hearts.
How are you lighting up your midwinter?
Related articles
- Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation (deaconjohn1987.wordpress.com)
- Gratitude & Candles (sjsa.wordpress.com)
Wine, please
Image by Fergal of Claddagh via Flickr
“2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ 4 And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ 5 His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ 6 Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. 9 When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ 11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days.”
~ John 2:1-12
This is the Gospel for today in the Episcopal lectionary – the Assumption of Mary to Heaven Feast Day in the Roman Catholic. There are several things I love about this passage:
- Mary is the ultimate Jewish mother. I write this with complete respect, having grown up in a community which was half Jewish. Mary exhibits confidence and faith not only in her Son but in the God who entrusted Him to her (if you saw the video from yesterday, you will note my use of upper case
. - Although Jesus objects, He obeys his Mother, thus keeping the commandment “Honor they father and mother.”
- The last verse in this passage shows his mother, brothers and disciples going off with Jesus together; looks like an extended family to me. The following verses move on; in my mind’s eye, I see this family having a picnic among themselves, before the throngs know of Jesus, following Him to the mountains and miracles.
- Although this is the first miracle recorded for us, the execution is almost off-handed – easily done for the greater good of the wedding party – and makes me wonder what else has occurred miracle-wise in Jesus’s life before His formal ministry.
- This first miracle, though His time is not yet come, takes place in everyday celebration without calling attention to Himself or to God but as a help to those He cares for – those in the wedding and most particularly, His Mother. No one knows except the servants (who don’t say anything) about how this wonderful wine came toward the end of the feast.
Related articles
- The Wedding In Cana – Jesus’ First Miracle (brakeman1.wordpress.com)
- Lessons From The First Miracle (ysammychoi.wordpress.com)
