Revision of Scripture Reflections from Thu, 08/14/2014 - 11:20am

Scripture Quote

"A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, the moon beneath her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.  She was pregnant and was crying out in birthpangs, in the agony of giving birth"

                                                                      (Rev. 12:1-2)                                       

Reflection

This passage always makes me reflect on the mixture of pain and joy and fear that any woman experiences in giving birth, the sense that dragons do indeed lie in wait.  Will my child be healthy?  Will I be able to raise it?  Will the temptations of this world sweep it away, to an early spiritual or physical death?  

As well, there are dragons in other ways.  Adult life often seems to me a battle between the forces of life, which would have us admit how much we need to connect to other people, even to the point of being dependent on them, and the forces of death, which would have me disconnect from others in a vainglorious attempt to sustain the illusion of self-sufficiency.

The feast of Mary's Assumption reminds us not to despise this world, even ordinary human flesh, because God has called it good, and found it worthy of heaven.  It is a story about potentialities, specifically the human potential for goodness, and even holiness, that we so carelessly and consistently obscure.

                                                                        -- Kathleen Norris

Suggested Prayer

"My daughters, remember that Mary has taken us under her care.  As for me, I go to her for direction and I always leave her sanctuary laden with blessings and words of peace which I share with the flock each day. 

                                                               -- St. Mary Euphrasia