Advent Reflection Series: Part One

Why the Rosary…because…guess what? YOLO!

Prior to our pilgrimage to the Milk Grotto & Dormition Abbey, icons of Mary smacked of a genteel lady who drank black tea with sugar, mint and a slice of fresh lemon as served in Bethlehem. I used to naively think of our Lady as a mother who was probably waited upon because she is the mother of The Christ.

In the Milk Grotto, where legend has it that a drop of breast milk fell unto a rock whilst nursing the child Jesus, on experiencing the serenity, and ‘presence’ of the Dormition Abbey, a brief imaginary mental slide show, slowly caressed my thoughts erasing the prior image of Mary and replacing them with the possible reality of a young practical mother who cooked many meals, strategically picked prickly pears with her bare hands, knew where to find ripe pomegranates and the juiciest dates. She probably had some levels of anxieties too, whilst raising her son and these anxieties must have heightened as she accompanied him through His passion, and death till the resurrection. Completely trusting, a tender yet tough cookie, she pondered much and endured much…

Now, our Lady’s icons speak volumes! A new meaning to saying the rosary has awakened within. I place my feeble, unfaithful hands in her 10 faith-filled fingers (10 beads). I navigate my way leaving my petitions in her hands, trusting she will attend to them in a Cana-feast- way. For some child-like trust I pray. For some unwavering faith I pray. As the best prayer partner- I am thankful, because…guess what?

YOLO!!!

PS.YOLO: You Only Live Once-(teenage Lingo)

Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae- Ora pro Nobis!

(Aba and her husband David are parishioners of St Maria. Her reflections are fruits of their pilgrimage to the holy land in October 2014. ‎It is hoped that they inspire prayer. Aba is a theology student of Maryvale Institute-Birmingham, UK.)