SOCL, Mary mother of God

Cycle A,B,C

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.

See

On this feast honoring Mary as Mother of God, we see her contemplative heart in action. While shepherds rush to spread the news and others respond in amazement, Mary quietly ponders these events. Her response teaches us a different way of beginning a new year - not with loud resolutions, but with thoughtful reflection. Through Mary's example, we learn that sometimes the deepest understanding comes not from immediate action, but from holding experiences in our hearts, letting their meaning unfold gradually.

listen

Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

Reflect

The shepherds moved from receivers to bearers of good news, transforming their amazement into action. Consider times when you've been moved to share something of God's work in your life - what prompted you to move from silent wonder to open witness?

"Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." While others rushed to spread the news, Mary chose contemplation. When have your experiences of God called for quiet pondering rather than immediate sharing?

Naming carries deep significance - Jesus receives the name foretold by the angel. Think about the names and identities you carry. How do they reflect your calling and relationship with God?

The story weaves together divine message and human response, heavenly announcement and earthly wonderment. Where in your life do you see this interplay of the divine and human unfolding?

Pray

Mother of God, teach us your way of holding life's mysteries in our hearts, that like you we might ponder the ways God is moving in our lives, finding in contemplation the wisdom to recognize and respond to divine grace.

SOCL, Humble Shepherds

Cycle A,B,C

December 29, 2024

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

See

As the first light breaks over Bethlehem, we see Christmas through a profound new lens. In choosing humble shepherds as first witnesses, God reveals how divine glory often shines brightest through the simplest hearts. Like "peaceful stillness" broken by heaven's announcement, these ordinary workers become extraordinary messengers, moving from receivers to bearers of good news. This celebration reveals how encountering Christ transforms us: those once dwelling in darkness become bearers of light, the forgotten become the "holy people," and the ordinary becomes sacred. The great paradox of Christmas continues to unfold - that God's majesty clothes itself in humility, choosing the forgotten ones of society to proclaim the greatest news.

Listen

Isaiah 62:11-12; Psalm 97 (96); Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20

Reflect

(Luke 2:15-20)

-The shepherds "went in haste" to find Jesus. Consider your own eagerness to encounter Christ. What moves you to seek Him with urgency in your daily life?

-"Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." In the midst of the Christmas excitement, how do you make space for quiet reflection and wonder?

-The city once called "Forsaken" becomes "Frequented." Reflect on areas in your life where God has transformed abandonment into abundance. How has God's presence renewed you?

-The shepherds returned "glorifying and praising God." After encountering Christ, how does your life reflect and share the joy of this experience with others?

-"The needy will never be forgotten, nor will the hope of the afflicted ever fade." Consider how God consistently chooses the humble to reveal His greatest mysteries. How does this challenge our own assumptions about importance and status?

-The shepherds move from being night watchmen to becoming the first evangelists. Reflect on how God might be calling you to move beyond your usual role to proclaim His presence.

Pray

God, our Good Shepherd, You break into our world with new light, transforming shepherds into evangelists and the forgotten into Your holy people; help us, like Mary, to treasure Your presence in the quiet of our hearts, and like the shepherds, to share with joy all we have seen and heard, so that we may become frequented places of Your grace, never forsaken and always renewed by the kindness and generous love You have poured out in Jesus, letting this Christmas dawn renew our hope and make us bearers of Your light; through Christ, our newborn Lord. Amen.

SOCL, Holy FamilyC

Sunday December 29, 2024

Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?

See

Today we have a chance to reect on the mystery of our own families! It really is a bit of mystery, how we mostly come out okay from this most intense and formative of experiences. We receive so much that we really want to ponder and to treasure. We can also be burdened by attitudes and traits that we might well wish we were without. Yet, through it all, we are grateful. Family is our “rst love” and never really loses its importance for us.

Listen

1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; Psalm 84 (83); 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24; Luke 2:41-52

Reflect

(Luke 2:41-52)

-"Luke’s skill as a storyteller shines through in the vivid details of this narrative—universal experiences many can relate to: the anguish of losing a child, the desperate search, and the seemingly casual remark of a teenager. Let the drama speak to you. Where do you find hope or good news in this story?"

-"In Luke’s Gospel, this story offers a glimpse of Jesus' future greatness as a teacher and leader of his people. Similarly, we can often look back on our lives—or the lives of others—and see moments in childhood or adolescence that foreshadow later achievements and blossoming talents. Where have you observed such sparks of potential?"

-"‘Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?’ Jesus’ response to Mary may seem insensitive, yet it emphasizes the mission given to him by God—one that would take precedence over family ties, despite the pain this might cause. Have you, or someone you know, faced a similar conflict, where following a personal calling brought pain to loved ones? Amid the struggle, where did you find hope or good news?"

Pray

As your sons and daughters, O loving God, we come before you in thanksgiving, called and united by your eternal Word. Teach us to ponder the mystery of Nazareth, that we may always nd in you the source of our strength and the unity of our families. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made esh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.

References

Blessed Are They Who Dwell in Your House