Gospel Thought for Today
27th November: Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Gospel: Luke 21:34-36
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection:
“Be vigilant at all times…”
On 27th November 1830, the Virgin Mary appeared to St Catherine Laboure in the Motherhouse Chapel of the Daughters of Charity in Paris, France. Our Lady instructed Catherine to “have a medal struck after this model. All who wear it will receive great graces: they shall wear it around their neck. Great graces will abound for those who wear it with confidence.” On the front side of the medal is an image of Mary standing on a globe with her foot trampling a serpent. From her hands come out rays of light. “These rays,” according to Mary, “are a symbol of the graces that I pour on those who ask of them of me.” Surrounding the image is an inscription: “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.” The medal’s reverse side features the letter M surmounted on a cross. Below it are the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Twelve stars surround these symbols.
We end the liturgical year, not with a bang, but with a warning. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us to be watchful and to pray lest persecutions and similar events overwhelm us. Let us turn to Our Lady whose Immaculate Heart has always been attuned to Jesus’ Most Sacred Heart. Instead of worrying or taking things for granted, let us take advantage of the graces that God is giving us through His Mother and ours.
- How important are vigilance and prayer in your life as a Christian?
- How can Mary help you prepare to “escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man”?
- What lessons have you learned from this liturgical year?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Through the prayers and example of Mary, Our Lady the Miraculous Medal, open our hearts to the graces that You have in store for us that we may welcome Your call to conversion. Amen.
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.
