Madonna and Child, Sassoferrato (1609-1685)
A blessed New Year and Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God! After too much fruitcake, chocolate and egg nog, it’s no wonder all you want to do is meditate on the baby Jesus–asleep in his mother’s lap! What better place to be, after all? Mary is the ultimate comfort: soft and supportive, warm with love, tenderness and mercy. She is true rest for the soul, and has no greater joy than to provide a gentle place for her children to rest without a care in the world. When we rest in the arms of Mary, there are no problems, no anxiety, no “to do” lists… only trust that our most caring mother will bring us into union with her son. Mary, Mother of God, mother of all, keep us safe in your maternal embrace!
When you follow her, you will not go astray;
When you pray to her, you will not despair;
When you think of her, you will not err;
When she holds you up, you will not fail;
When she protects you, you will not fear;
When she leads you, you will not be fatigued;
When she favors you, you will arrive safely.”
St. Bernard
It is meant also to exalt the singular dignity which this mystery brings to the “holy Mother.