Daily reflection _ the Mother of God

THE MOTHER OF GOD
Jesus gave Mary as our Mother when, after He had been nailed to the cross, He addressed her in these words: "Woman, behold your Son." He said to John, "Behold your mother."
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
How often have we contemplated Mary with the Child in her arms! And Christian piety had inspired the countless different works of art which represent the feast we celebrate today - the Motherhood of Mary.
Mary is our Lady, full of grace and virtue, conceived without sin, who is the Mother of God and our Mother, and who dwells both body and soul in heaven. Sacred Scripture refers to her as the most exalted of all creatures, the blessed one, the most honored among women, full of grace, she whom all generations shall call blessed.
In the second reading in this Octave Day of Christmas we heard the following. When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, both under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons and daughters.
Jesus did not suddenly appear on earth out of heaven. He became truly man, like us, taking on our human nature in the most pure womb of the Virgin Mary. Yet as the Second Person of the Trinity, He is begotten, not made, by God the Father from all eternity.
That Mary is truly our mother is loving and consoling. Mary conceived, brought forth and nourished Jesus. She presented Him in the temple, and participated in her Son's sufferings as he died on the Cross. She cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity in the work of the Savior in restoring supernatural life to souls. For this reason she is a Mother to us in the order of grace.
Jesus gave Mary as our Mother when, after He had been nailed to the cross, He addressed her in these words: "Woman, behold your Son." He said to John, "Behold your mother." From that day onward the whole Church has her as Mother. And all human life has her as Mother.
In the Gospel: Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart!
The heart of Mary---To know what goes on inside the heart of another is an intimate knowledge.
Points to Pray and Ponder: Today, as we honor Mary, we can say to her, at least in our hearts without the use of words, "My Mother," and feel that she is protecting us and encouraging us to begin this New Holy Year 2016. During this year of mercy, may God continue to bless us in His mercy!