Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
1st January
Once I sat in this chapel (Kings College, Cambridge, text for song below) and heard the choir sing. It was midweek, and fairly empty, and I was part of something alien and familiar, grand, and homely. I didn't know that women hadn't always been allowed to sit in those particular seats, though I knew it was a privilege. I looked up at the carved ceiling and saw where King Henry V111 had had the monogram H A engraved in stone, and where masons had quickly chipped it away again, when Ann Boleyn was beheaded, omitting to remove one or two intertwined letters in the highest corners, from love or laziness we cannot know. But womankind is represented today.
Mary is the great teacher of how to fulfil our purpose, and how to fulfil God's plan. We see her puzzled, worried, dubious, desperate. We see her courageous. We see her laughing, provoking the first miracle of making extra wine. We see her.
The first of January, the last in the octave, is always dedicated to Our Lady who made all possible in her acceptance and her offering, who joins heaven to earth, Queen of Heaven, Morning Star, Mother of Good Counsel, Mother of our Creator, Mother of our Saviour, Mirror of Justice, Seat of Wisdom, Cause of our Joy, Spiritual Vessel, Mystical Rose, Tower of Ivory, House of the Covenant, Arc of Gold, Gate of Heaven, Comforter of the Afflicted, Refuge of Sinners, Queen of Angels, Queen of Prophets, Queen of Peace.
"Be it done unto me," she said to the angel, "according to your word."
She didn't forget to ask how, and she got an answer. Perhaps my New Year's resolution should be to be more concrete, and precise in my questioning.
Tell God how you feel when you are happy, and tell God how you feel when you are sad, is the Ignatian way. But also, ask for what you need. It is not impolite to ask. It is necessary.
And, perhaps more pressing due to my age, I must get on with things. Stop putting things off. This beautiful piece by Mary Anne Perrone was posted by @seasofme last year. Huge thanks. I'd like to share it. It makes a lot of sense to me:
I am no longer waiting for a special occasion; I burn the best candles on ordinary days.
I am no longer waiting for the house to be clean; I fill it with people who understand that even dust is sacred.
I am no longer waiting for everyone to understand me; it's just not their task.
I am no longer waiting for the perfect children; my children have their own names that burn as brightly as any star.
I'm no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop; it did, and I survived.
I am no longer waiting for the time to be right; the time is always now.
I am no longer waiting for the mate who will complete me; am grateful to be so warmly, tenderly held.
I am no longer waiting for a quiet moment; my heart can be stilled whenever it is called.
I am no longer waiting for the world to be at peace; I unclench my grasp and breathe peace in and out.
I am no longer waiting to do something great; being awake to carry my grain of sand is enough.
I am no longer waiting to be recognised; I know that I dance in a holy circle.
I am no longer waiting for forgiveness; I believe, I believe.
mary anne perrone
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"May the Lord bless you and keep you
May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
May the Lord show you His face and bring you peace."
Numbers 6:24-27
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Emmanuel - God With Us - The Time is Now
O Come O come Emmanuel, 15th Century French tune, no voices, The Piano Guys (lyrics below)
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Scripture from the readings for this day http://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/Weekday/Christmas.shtml
Parts of the Litany from http://www.themostholyrosary.com/appendix4.htm
Lyrics to the Basque carol sung at Kings College Cambridge, top video:
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
By: Basque carol, 13/14th century origin, para. Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
With wings as drifted snow, with eyes as flame:
"All hail to thee, O lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favored lady." Gloria!
"For know a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honor thee;
Thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,
Most highly favored lady." Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;
"To me be as it pleaseth God," she said.
"My soul shall laud and magnify God's holy name."
Most highly favored lady." Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk through-out the world will ever say:
"Most highly favored lady." Gloria!
O Come o Come Emmanuel from Hymns ancient and modern, 1861, via wikipedia
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Adonai, Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
YOU ARE READING
Carmel Reflections
SpiritualEver wonder what it's all about? I need to try and work it out. I'll just begin with the deer. This is about what and who and where strength comes from.
