Call to prayer: O God of all, you brought to birth the day of salvation wrought through the One who is our everlasting life and peace. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, and the world’s Mother, bring to perfection that which you have begun in him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
The gospel of the Lord.
Focus: Mary is the ultimate symbol of the Christian, for what is a Christian if not one who bears Christ within our world and brings him to people.
Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words and phrases stand out for you in this gospel?
2. What is the stewardship message in this reading?
3. How can you learn from Mary’s pilgrimage of faith in the midst of the trials and struggles of your life?
4. What is the difference between the peace that God gives and what is valued by the world around us?
Concluding prayer: Lord Jesus, your mother bore you in tender love and gave you to us for our salvation. Let us treasure her example and her intercession as we bear you to a world which lacks your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
