A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
Today’s Gospel reading follows the passage that describes the appearance of an angel of the Lord to the shepherds. The angel found them keeping watch over their flock and told them: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The angel told them that a sign for them would be that of finding Jesus in Bethlehem wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Luke says that all at once there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on who his favor rests.” The shepherds went in haste to find Jesus and told Mary the message of the angel. And Luke tells us Mary’s response: “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” The shepherds then returned, glorifying and praising God for what they had heard and seen. This Advent and Christmas, I have also been a witness to these things. Now, how do I keep all these things, and what is the way to go about sharing the joy of this message?
God, through the Blessed Virgin Mary—through her yes—marvelous wonders from heaven have been brought to earth. At the announcement of an angel, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared in the sky and gave you the highest praise and glory, “and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” In the first reading, we see this same peace that God bestowed on the Israelites when he said to Moses: “The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!” Give me the grace, Lord, to know and receive your blessing.
The shepherds made known the message to Mary. Merciful Lord, be with me today to make me a messenger of your peace and mercy. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Let me remember the words of the psalmist: “May God bless us in his mercy.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.