A MOMENT WITH MOTHER MARY

December 6-Our Lady of Seez (France,5th C.)


A TIME OF WAITING UNIQUE IN WORLD HISTORY (V)


Expected by the Romans

While the Blessed Virgin was on earth, the Jews were awaiting their mysterious Christ precisely during this same period of time. But what is even more surprising is to discover that other people were also experiencing a time of waiting at exactly the same time. We have unequivocal testimonies of the most accurate nature on this universal expectancy for the One who was to emerge from Judea.

From two of the greatest Latin historians, Tacitus and Suetonius, we also learn how the Romans were stirred up at the approach of a century which we were to call “the first century after Christ.” Tacitus wrote in his Historiae: “Most were convinced that the ancient books of the priests predicted that, around this time, the East would grow more powerful. And that the rulers of the world would emerge from Judea.” In the same way, Suetonius says, in his Life of Vespasian: “Throughout the East, an idea was gaining currency: the consistent and very ancient view that it was to be written in the world’s destiny that from Judea would emerge the rulers of the world.” These two historians were writing at the end of the first century and at the beginning of the second, without being able to know of the triumph, still to come, of He who would indeed be the “ruler” of the western world.


Source:Jesus Hypotheses by Vittorio Messori,Saint Paul Pubns.(1978)


BIBLE PASSAGE:
Blessed are you,and deserving of all
praise...and glorious is your name forever.
                                           ~Dan 3:26



REFLECTION:
The name of Mary contains in
itself the brilliance of the virtues,the sweet
reflection of modesty,and the sacrifice agree-
able to God.
It is the sign of hospitality and the center of
sanctity.                      ~St.Peter Chrysologus


PRAYER:
O Mary,your holy Name is glorious
forever.Grant me the garce to revere it,call
upon it every day ,and teach it to others--espe-
cially my relatives,friends,and benefactors.


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