featured image

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds had come in haste and found Jesus lying in the manger. Remember they had just seen a multitude of angels announcing this birth of a Savior. They had been filled with fear. Now they were surely filled with exhilaration and joy. Imagine Mary and Joseph smiling at the words of the shepherds. The lowly shepherds had been the first to know.

Then the shepherds made the message known to others, who were all amazed. We hear of no skeptics, no doubters. Let’s keep in mind that all news traveled then by word of mouth. Maybe everyone who heard the story knew that simple shepherds could not make something like that up. And there were multiple witnesses. Perhaps too the grace of the Nativity was everywhere and people inexplicably knew that this story was true, this story that has now been repeated for over 2,000 years.

As we celebrate today the Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God, we remember that Mary’s will was entirely united to God’s will. She did not know all of God’s plans. But she was intimately connected with every detail. When confronted with amazing stories of angels and signs given to shepherds one can imagine that she did not speculate or analyze. No, she simply “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”

The shepherds had found the infant just as the angel had said. Did they scratch their heads over the meaning of it all? No, they glorified and praised God.

Mary and Joseph observed Mosaic law. Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day and given the name that God the Father had given Him, as directed by the angel.

Glory to God.

 

Ponder:

 

The shepherds were instructed by an angel. How does God tell us today about His plans?

 

Pray:


Oh, Mary, help us to trust God as you did, reflecting in our hearts on all the mysteries of His plans.

 

Click to tweet: Imagine Mary and Joseph smiling at the words of the shepherds. The lowly shepherds had been the first to know. #dailygospel

 

Daily Gospel 4

Copyright 2023 Rosemary Bogdan

About the Author

Rosemary Bogdan

Rosemary Bogdan

Rosemary Bogdan is a wife, mother of six adult children, and a grandmother. She homeschooled her children when they were young and currently substitute teaches at her favorite Catholic school. When not spending time with her family, Rosemary writes at A Catholic Mother's Thoughts and Catholic365.com.