Heart of Mary

"Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:18).

Christmas has passed. Like the shepherds, we went to Midnight Mass in our Bethlehem, that is, to the church, where during the Eucharist, Jesus is born. We saw Mary, Joseph, and the Infant lying in the manger. What feelings and thoughts arose in our hearts? What did we bring to our homes, families, and communities? Were we still able to be amazed by the story of Christmas? Or do we treat this story as a legend from the past?

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, gives us an example of pondering all these things that take place before our eyes. Yes, we can come to church as if to a theater to listen to beautiful carols and look at decorated Christmas trees. But that's not all. The center of Christmas is not ourselves, a richly set table, or even our family. The essence of this holiday is everything that has been revealed to us about the Child Jesus. That is, the most important is the Son of God, who is born of the Virgin Mary in the stable in Bethlehem.

Mary ponders with us today the mystery of her motherhood. What does it mean to be the Mother of God? It is truly a story about the mystery of human life. After all, each of us had a mother who gave birth to us. It is the story of all mothers who carry new life given to them by God under their hearts. The mystery of life is the mystery of Christmas. For this gift, we must adore and praise the Creator of life.

The shepherds understood this. The wise men from the East understood this. And do you also understand this and adore God for the gift of your life? Do you adore the Son of God who comes to you in the Eucharist? Do you hear the message of the Gospel and see the Eucharistic miracle?

We are already in the New Year. Around us, there is so much sadness, tragedy, war, and problems. Let us not forget that we are to welcome the Child Jesus under our roof, who will bring us joy, love, and peace. This Divine Child also wants to be miraculously conceived in your heart, as announced by the angels who constantly sing: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will."

Mary, Mother of God, you who pondered all divine matters in your heart, teach us to stop in the rush of everyday life and notice the miracles that happen around us. Help us to receive the Child Jesus into our hearts and bring His peace to the world. Amen.