CARMEL'S OWN: June 2011

JUNE 20011

Mary Has a Role in Jesus’ Saving Mission

“Now, Master, you are letting your servant go in peace as you promised; for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have made ready in the sight of the nations; a light of revelation for the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” (Lk 2:32) Mary and Joseph are astounded when Simeon proclaims Jesus as a “light of revelation for the Gentiles”. Mary, instead, with reference to the prophecy of the sword that would pierce her heart, says nothing. Together with Joseph, she accepts in silence those mysterious words which predict a deeply sorrowful trial and give the Presentation of Jesus its deepest meaning. Indeed, according to the divine plan the sacrifice offered then “in accordance with what is prescribed in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” (Lk 2:24), prefigured the sacrifice of Jesus, “for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29); in it the true “presentation” would be made (cf. Lk 2:22), which would see the Mother associated with her Son in the work of Redemption.

Simeon’s prophecy is followed by the meeting with the prophetess Anna: “She began to praise God, and spoke of the child to all who were looking forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem” (Lk 2:38). The faith and prophetic wisdom of the old woman who nurtures the expectation of the Messiah by “serving God night and day with fasting and prayer” (Lk 2:37), offer the Holy Family a further incentive to put their hope in the God of Israel. At this particular moment, Anna’s behavior would have appeared to Mary and Joseph as a sign from the Lord, a message of enlightened faith and persevering service. Beginning with Simeon’s prophecy, Mary intensely and mysteriously unites her life with Christ’s sorrowful mission: she is to become her Son's faithful coworker for the salvation of the human race.
Pope John Paul II

General Audience, December 18, 1996

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.