The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
As we approach the close of the holiday season, I start to feel the relief of having survived one more Christmas season: gifts were bought and wrapped, menus created, food made, crowds fought through, social engagements completed. What happened to Advent?
Finally, with all of the hustle and bustle over, I can stop to truly ponder the miracle of the Incarnation and birth of Our Lord and Savior. Trying to delve into this mystery is overwhelming, so I try to connect through a path that I am familiar with: the eyes of a mother. But not just any mother. I try to consider what it was like for the Mother of the Savior. What did Mary see?
What did the Angel Gabriel look like when he called out to Mary and said, “Hail! Full of Grace!” What did Mary see in Elizabeth’s eyes when she approached her cousin and heard, “Blessed are you among women!” What did Mary see in Joseph’s face when he realized that she was pregnant? And again, when Joseph returned to take Mary as his wife after being visited by an angel in a dream? Through Mary’s tired eyes in Bethlehem, did she see any love and compassion when Joseph was looking for a place for them to stay, or was she met with anger and frustration?
As if that is not enough to ponder, I try to imagine gazing into the eyes of the newborn in the manger, only to be startled seeing shepherds coming in to see her son. Can’t you just see the smile on Mary’s face as she holds the babe out to the shepherds, the dirty, smelly, hardworking shepherds who offer their prayers and joy?
The door opens again and not one, not two, but three kings—KINGS—walk into Mary’s home to see her son. They have an offering, too. Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh. She had to steal a look from Joseph as they beheld all of these visitors—shepherds and kings—with great humility.
As we quickly move toward Ordinary Time, I hope to keep my eyes wide open to continue to see what Mother Mary saw and welcome all as she did. Most especially, I hope to recognize the light of Christ in every person I meet, and in my own little way, share His light that I carry with them.
Carol McHale is thankful to celebrate 30 years of marriage with her husband and 8 children. She is a staff member of a Washington, DC law school by day, and an avid reader at night. She and her husband treasure time together with family and friends.
