Gospel – Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found the baby lying in the manger

The shepherds hurried away to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told.

When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.

Reflection

God came humbly and quietly into our world, and yet his wonder could not be hidden.

Prayer

God-With-Us, as the Christmas Octave draws to a close, I pray that I, like Mary and the shepherds, may store up the treasures of your coming in my heart, to sustain me as I embark on this new year.

Pray the Mission Rosary with Missio

Today we pray the Fifth Joyful Mystery: the finding of Jesus in the Temple.

‘Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it …
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.’ (Luke 2:41-47).

• Our Father,
• 10 Hail Marys (contemplating the mystery),
• Glory be to the Father.