Mission

After observing some Christmas cards made by a Catholic Studies class in the last few weeks, it occurred to me that the Christian symbols are being left out of Christmas. I googled images of Christmas and had to scroll down and down until I saw Mary or Joseph or a Nativity scene with the baby Jesus. 

Christmas is a favourite time of year for so many reasons. We make time for people who we are otherwise too busy to see. We exchange gifts and cards and messages of good will and joy. We sing and party and eat way too much! I wonder how much of the first Christmas is in our thoughts.

At our Mass on Thursday, we will be reminded of the story of the Annunciation, when Mary first heard that she was going to be the Mother of Jesus.  As a young, unmarried village girl she must have been frightened, confused, overwhelmed … all of these natural ways of reacting to such incredible, mysterious news. She could have responded in many ways – with a no or a why or can’t you ask someone else? Instead, Mary responded with openness, with a yes response! This is Mary’s first act as the mother of Jesus – teaching him to respond to God the Father, not with fear and questioning but with wonder, openness and joy. And Jesus did learn this lesson – through his teenage years and then into his ministry and right up to his suffering and death on the Cross.

We will hear the beautiful prayer which was her response to the news. Soon after the announcement that she was to be the Mother of Jesus, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. It was here that she recited the Magnificat:

• My soul magnifies the Lord – Mary did not doubt. As Marian people, we too should not doubt. Instead we take the advice, given by Mary our Good Mother: Yes, Lord, let it be.
• He has done great things for me - This was her song of praise. We too should recognise the great things that God does for us, each and every day.
• and holy is his name - As Marists, Marian people, we thank Jesus for the gift of his mother who is our Good Mother. We thank Mary for her song of praise which calls us to recognise God in the everyday things which happen to us. 

In preparation for joining Mary in welcoming Christ into the world, let’s spare some time to contemplate what Christmas might mean to us. I pray that, as Advent people, we find a place for the Holy Family, the angels, the wise Men and Women and the shepherds in our preparation for Christmas. May the peace and joy of that event fill our hearts.

Mrs Cathie Clarke

Director of Mission/RE Coordinator