(Audio)
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,
born of a woman, born under the law,
to ransom those under the law,
so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Jesus is born of the Father before all ages. He is the eternal Son of God. In order that we too might become sons and daughters he became one of us.
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
crying out, “Abba, Father!”
So you are no longer a slave but a son,
and if a son then also an heir, through God.
The eternal cry of the Spirit from within the heart of Jesus can now echo in our human hearts as well. A human and a divine heart were joined in the incarnation of Jesus. In that union a new possibility of the Holy Spirit indwelling hearts was opened to humanity.
Mary is the one who reflected most on the blessings of her son.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
She experienced both the human and the divine aspects of his life. She saw how he was led by the Spirit. Even when this leading caused suffering she still reflected on the deeper purposes of God at work within him. She was true mother to him in the flesh. By her faith she his mother too, because "whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother" (see Mark 3:35).
Mary is inviting us to join her in being mothers to Jesus, in bringing his presence more fully into the world by being radically open to his will in us. She is inviting us to reflect on the incarnation because she knows first hand how it can transform and elevate our human nature. We can receive the same blessings that gave the shepherds such joy
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.
Then we too will have a genuine blessing to offer to others.
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon
you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and
give you peace!
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