“Discipleship may be difficult, but none of us is in this alone. We receive guidance and inspiration from one another. We are reminded of this every time we sing or say the Magnificat, the Song of Mary.” Today’s reflection from the daily Mass.
BIBLE READINGS: You can find the readings for Friday of the December 22 here (Universalis Website)
In the movie, Joy Ride, starring Olivia Coleman, Joy is travelling to her sister so she can hand over her new born child whom she doesn’t want. Along the way, her taxi gets stolen by a young boy called Mully who is on the run from his uncaring dad following the death of his mother.
Joy has no connection with her baby, and doesn’t want to begin one. As they embark upon a road trip together, Mully is the one who helps Joy. After helping to take care of his own sister’s child, he teaches Joy how to care for a baby including how to change nappies and breast feed.
The readings today are full of the news of motherhood. One from the Old Testament and one from the New. Both pregnancies are unexpected. When Mary receives the news that she is to be the mother of Jesus, her mind returns to others she has known—if not in person, then certainly from within the long tradition of Gods people. Perhaps she can see some parallels in her own life with that of Hannah. A miraculous pregnancy accepted as a gift from God followed by so much praise and thanksgiving for all that God is doing.
Hannah and Mary and every other mother will no doubt have received some help and guidance from those around them—particularly those who have known how to care for a newborn child. Likewise, as we follow Jesus, and give him the attention and love he desires, we are also upheld by the the presence and support of others around us. We stand in the long tradition of those who have gone before us—the Communion of Saints which consists of the living and departed. Discipleship may be difficult, but none of us is in this alone. We receive guidance and inspiration from one another. We are reminded of this every time we sing or say the Magnificat, the Song of Mary. Although her vocation is unique, we are all called to be Christ bearers. Sometimes, we may just need a little help.
MASS TODAY
Mass today on Monday 22 December is at S Dyfrig and S Samson at 630pm
DAY BY DAY
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