In her, we recognize the model of the Church’s faith and of our own. (Constitution 10)
“As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). It was the pattern of Mary’s intimate relationship with Jesus and her contemplation of his “virtues and example” that would be the model for the Oblate:
… the Blessed Virgin, to whom they will all have a special devotion and great affection. To this effect they will recite the rosary every day.
1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter One. §5 On prayer and exercises of piety
Today:
With Mary Immaculate, the faithful handmaid of the Lord, and under the guidance of the Spirit, we enter into closer union with Jesus Christ. We will contemplate with her the mysteries of the Incarnate Word, especially in praying the rosary.
CC&RR, Constitution 36
With yesterday being the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus I find myself reflecting on Mary, his mother whose job it is to direct and lead us to Jesus. I wonder if she wasn’t there in the background with his disciples as he was taken to heaven.
6 months ago I faced death, I was dying without know it. I awoke from being in an induced coma and being told that people who experienced the same kind of brain injury as myself have not responded well to the brain injury surgery. I am again being asked to let go and to trust this newer way of being.
It was not a matter of feelings or emotions, but rather I had come out of the surgery with a deeper trust, understanding and belief. I am without doubt and I notice that I am more alive than ever before. There is a certain freedom that I wear now that comes from a deeper part of myself. At the same time I sort of miss the feelings that I carried.
At Mass yesterday I joined with my parish family as children made their First Communion. What a weekend to see those I love so deeply in their daily lives, with their families – my community!
I think of the many avenues that God uses to bring each of us home to God, in Jesus, the Spirit and the community of Saints, the Church. Mary among them. I have no idea of how I am to walk now but I hope will reflect some more on how St. Eugene de Mazenod changed his course when he realized that he could not walk alone.
We do “it” with each other. Mary is our mother, our patroness, our model no matter what role we are assigned. I am so grateful.