III. Winter is a Time of Silence in Nature, a time of reflection
- Time of the shepherds, right after the birth of our Lord, this day born in the city of David who is Christ the Lord. A duty that was required of Mary. Lk 2:8-20. The shepherds came to her; Our Lady did not go seeking them out. The commands of the Lord by angelic decree supersede Mosaic prescriptions.
- Our Lady was observant of The Law “Hail full of Grace” Lk 1:28 Kecharitomene Gk, indicated God has already grace Mary previous to this point, making her a vessel who “has been” and” is now filled with divine life”[1]
Immaculate Conception, before the angelic conversation, continue
Obedience, hierarchy of values
- An example of Mary’s obedience was Naming of Jesus (Circumcision) 8 days later Lev 12:2-3 Sign of belonging to Lord by which males are incorporated into God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Gen 17:9-14)
Our Lady interesting shift, mother can be at circumcision
Lev 12:5 Purification Period for a boy 40 days, then an offering is brought to the court of the Tabernacle (or Temple later), Luke 2:22-24 Piety and Obedience of Joseph and Mary
Only one Temple, specific. Synagogue and Temple 2 different places.
Shepherds representation of the Jewish people coming to Our Lady versus Magi Gentile to the Lord.
BVM reply to life, women open to visit of immediate family first 8 days, not to those not known (Magi)
Israelites, angels’ direct messengers of Lord. Magi have nature telling them what to do, celestial POV, within context of Truth & Goodness.
[1] Catholic Study Bible, Old and New Testament (Ignatius Press: San Francisco 2024) 1829