- The Homily from Augut 8th is in the Library>>>
- The Sunday Scriptures for this week are at usccb.org
- I am presiding and preaching at the 11:00am Mass on August 15th
As Mary Goes....
The feast of the Assumption of Mary is always a time for us to reflect upon our Christian destiny. Mary is not only mother of Jesus, she is our mother and our Pre-decessor in the faith. We are invited to imitate Mary's faith - especially her "fiat" of surrender to the will of God. We are also encouraged to hope in her Assumption because "As Mary goes so shall the Christian Church."
I am thinking of the good things that our parents try to get us to do as little children (eat our vegetables, say our prayers, sled ride down a steep hill). They will often say, "watch me, I'll do it first and then you won't be afraid." They indoctrinate us into certainly ways of living by being a pattern and precursor for us. "Do not only what I say, but as I do."
Mary might be seen, from this perspective, as a trail blazer - one who is not only making a way with Christ to heaven, but creating a path that all of us might travel toward salvation. This feast is historically associated with the "first harvest" of the year, the great gathering of the fruits of the fields. As Mary is gathered to heaven so we can die to self and rise with Christ to the fullness of life here and unto eternity.
Does this connect with your faith?
9 comments:
Yes, on point. Makes me want to listen and hear more. Watch out for (limit?) flowery language... TMI ... it distracts from the main thought/topic.
Years back I used to think (as some friends still do) that Mary is so perfect, I can't be so, can't relate, why bother trying. She's out there, not like "us".
Another funny thing I heard recently...from a practicing Catholic...why bother with Mary if we have Jesus. . . if we have Jesus we have it all.
Have fun with it, looking forward to my mind & heart e-x-p-a-n-d-i-n-g ! ! !
More. . . questions ... seems Mary's "fiat" was a one-shot deal. . . she gives herself totally, no questions asked. . . is there an iron-clad way to know if we're following God's Will and not our own? Okay, if not an iron-clad way, any signs... can we ever REALLY know? Is it wrong to wonder about or question God's Will? . . . Not the "why me God" stuff but "what is it that you want and I can't figure this out" wondering. Since the Will of God seems murky, at best, or at least like trying to run in a pool of water or pudding, how do we surrender to the will of God more perfectly or is it a matter of trial and error, practice makes perfect? Is this the stuff of Mary's pondering?
I am looking to hear the Word of God in yours. Yet people I talk to say just use your intellect and reasoning skills.
The story of Mary & Martha. Which Mary is that?
The word of God is not in your intellect or reasoning, He's in the silence of our hearts!
Yes it does connect with my faith. I can look to Mary as a model of obedience and trust for my life. I admire how she accepted God's will for her without asking 20 questions, or thinking about what would be in it for her. She trusted God to work things out and He did (Angel appearing to St. Joseph in a dream).
I am also thinking about how she and St. Joseph left for Egypt in the middle of the night, without questioning or complaining to God. Again, pure trust in the Lord. I have always trusted in God's providence for me. I always think of how God allows whatever is happening in my life; nothing happens to me that is not His will. These are just two ways I look to Mary as an example for my faith. lr
The Matador’s description of Mary and the role she plays in our lives of faith does connect nicely with my own faith experience. I liked the description of Mary as “trail blazer,” and the examples of a parent leading children to experiences in life through modeling. A powerful example of that in my own life is that my mother was one who absolutely loved the beach and whatever body of water associated with it. Summer after summer my siblings and I were taken by the hand to notice the various benefits beaches offer. After reading the Matador’s reflection I took this memory and my current experiences a bit further in my mind - because not only do I now love the beach where I was led by my mother, but that in turn has taken me into the ocean where I can always be sure to find an encounter with our God. In the ocean I am tossed about in a way that makes me laugh out loud while I am reminded of being a child and at the mercy of a powerful Father. The force of the waves counters with the softness of the water so that I am bowled over and caressed, all at the same time. Being knocked off my feet by the might of the water entices me to frolic while also reminding me that I am not in control of my life. And then the buoyancy I experience which gives me a sense of lightness is balanced with a caution of the clout of the undertow – and I know that God is nurturing and commanding all at the same time.
So God is the ultimate encounter - to God is where I am led; but I am so grateful to my mother, and Mary, for the roles they play(ed) in taking me there.
How do we distinguish God's will from our own?
God's will for us is our own santification/salvation. By facing the realities of our daily life "flexing" our own will, many times with evil intentions, the opportunity to perceive God's will for us will increase. Jesus and Mary are examples of doing God's will by accepting.... " I have come to do your will......"
Remember our WILL will determine what to choose or not to choose.
Where has the Matador been?
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