- What Does this Time of Silence by Mary teach mothers, especially those who have recently given birth?
XII. Some Duties Must be performed, health and circumstances permitting
XIII. However, those duties must be highly considered. Is it necessary at this time?
XIV. Dr White, an excellent doctor, gave new mothers 6 weeks, stay home do as little as possible. My second one, C-section and I applied to all my subsequent births (5).
Liturgical life of BVM, ritual liturgies for Jewish people, not as Christian Jewish ritual, but there are some things living Jewish tradition still have value for us. Birth after time of birth, rest & recollection,
Baby Moon.
Prudence, Jesus through Mary not impure. This part is left behind, but the rest is most helpful in the home.
- The Time spent bonding and nuzzling the new baby is critical. Getting the little one “plumped up” and sleeping through the night can be an arduous task. I had one baby, born 8# 14 oz and slept through the night at 3 weeks. My twins 5# 4oz, 5# 14 oz took much longer. For twins, I was given the advice to cancel everything (to the extent possible) extra for 2 years. I did, and I kept my memories and sanity.
Family Medical Leave, 6 weeks, 40 days, close to time frame secular world recognizes. Holy time for a family should not impinge on.
XVI. Exhortation
Candlemas Feb 2
St. Blaise, Blessing throat, illnesses in the winter
Today’s feast is known by the title Candlemas because of the words of Saint Simeon when he met the child Jesus in the temple: “For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32). Jesus is the Light of the World, the Messiah who has come not just for the Jew but the gentile; not just the righteous, but the sinner.
On this feast day, the Church blesses candles for use throughout the year (this has been a church tradition at least since the seventh century). Traditionally, families also bring their own candles to church to be blessed on this feast. The candles represent the fact that the light of the world is here; the light is coming into a dark world as the Church calendar progresses towards the brightness of Easter.[1]
Mother embrace the silence that is part of our calling. Reflect on the example of Our Lady, who pondered. These moments of reflection equipped Mary to handle the reality the Simeon foretold. So to, your moments of contemplation of your new little one, can equip you for the journey ahead when the child is now an adult.
Heart pierced many laid bare. Fr. Ripperger, “Our Lady’s heart wounded so many laid bare.”
When our children struggle, Our Lady can assist us. She never stopped pondering, silence.
BVM ability sees aware truly profound, enters into our own maternity. Allow her to cooperate, never impose. Memorare, never known left unaided. Ner forced on us.
[1] https://princeofpeacetaylors.org/2-february-feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord/ accessed January 7, 2025