Reflection: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•December 28, 2020

1024px-William-Adolphe_Bouguereau_The_Virgin_With_Angels-1

Nm 6:22-27; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21.

Let us take this occasion to reflect on the Biblical passages on the Blessed Mother. The earliest passage is found in Gen 3:15, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” These words were addressed by YHWH to the serpent right after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the promise of redemption immediately after the sin. The first to note is the word ‘enmity’, i.e., no friendship, no contact, between the devil (Rev 12:9) and the woman, Satan’s seed and the woman’s seed. The woman’s seed is a “he”, a masculine singular pronoun explicit in the Hebrew. “He” will crash the serpent’s head while the serpent is helpless at his heel. After the fulfillment of this promise, we know that the Woman is Mary and her seed that strikes the head of the serpent is the Messiah, her Son, Jesus. Since there is enmity between the Woman and the serpent, she is untouched by sin and, therefore, immaculate. If we are under the maternal protection of Mary, Satan would not be able to defeat us. That is why the missionaries very often placed their missions under the patronage of Mary. There is also enmity between the serpent and the Son of Mary and He will strike his head. Both the Woman and her Son defeat Satan.

The second passage to consider is Isaiah 7:14, “A maiden shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” The Hebrew says ‘almah’, i.e., maiden, a single woman. When the Jews themselves translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek, the Septuagint, some two hundred years B.C., they used ‘parthenos’, i.e., ‘virgin’. In the Greek New Testament, Matthew copied ‘parthenos’, thus our translation into English is ‘virgin’. (We can make an observation here: that within the Old Testament there was already a progression of revelation, that the Mother of the Messiah was not only a maiden, but was to be a virgin.) In Matthew 1:20-23, the angel explains to Joseph that Mary is untouched by any man, but that the Holy Spirit effected this pregnancy in her. Thus, her virginity is intact. Since it was the Holy Spirit who put this baby in her womb, it will also be the Holy Spirit who will take him out at his nativity, without doing harm to her virginity. Thus, all the Fathers of the Church taught that Mary was virgin ‘before, during and after’ the birth of Jesus. (Right here let us make our act of faith on the Virginity of the Blessed Mother.)

The next we will listen to is the Archangel Gabriel who greets Mary saying, “Rejoice, full of grace. The Lord is with you” (Lk 1:28). The Greek word is “kekaritomene” and St. Jerome translated it “full of grace.” If Mary is ‘full’ of grace, there is no space not occupied by grace, nor space for sin; again she is clearly sinless, immaculate. And because she is full of grace, the Lord is with her. Furthermore, the Lord will be in her, because she will conceive and bear the Son of the Most High. “Most High” in Hebrew “El Elyon” was the name of God known to Abraham: it was clear to Mary that she will bear the Son of the God of Abraham. This son of hers will take ‘the throne of David’, ‘rule over the house of Jacob’, and ‘his kingdom will have no end’; her Son will be king and forever. This gives us a glimpse of Mary’s Queenship. Her Motherhood will be effected by the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” The verbs used show us that the power does not come from creation but from the Creator: from above to overshadow. God is operative in this work of the birth of the Savior and the Savior himself is God. Here we understand that Mary is Mother of God. God who wanted to save us humans chose to be born human and chose his human mother and that was Mary. To this request from God Mary gave a resounding “YES” and allowed God to carry out his plan for our salvation.

As soon as Mary said ‘yes’ to God, the Baby began to form in her womb and he would be only a week old when Mary started to move towards Ein Karem, the village of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Let us follow her as she travelled through the dusty roads and the hills from Galilee through Samaria and into the hill country of Judah. She was carrying the Son of God in her womb and this was perceived by the baby John the Baptist when Mary greeted Elizabeth, such that he leapt in the womb of his mother. What do we see? Mary was like the Ark of the Covenant carrying God and his physical presence among men. The Ark contained the Tablet of the Commandments and Jesus is the God who gave the commandments. Inside the Ark was a jug of Manna (Ex 16:33-34), and Jesus is the Bread of Life. The staff of Aaron the High Priest that sprouted and bloomed (Nm 17:23-25) was also kept inside the Ark, and Jesus is the Eternal High Priest. John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s womb perceived all that and he leapt for joy because “the Mother of my Lord has come to me”. As Mary travelled, God the Son was visiting his own creation and was walking among his people carried by Mary, the Ark of the Covenant. We should perceive something similar as on the ninth month, Joseph and Mary would travel towards Bethlehem.

At the stable of Bethlehem, we see Mary and the Baby in the manger. Mary has given birth to the Son of God and truly she is the Mother of God made man and his name is Jesus because he saves us from sin, death and Satan. On the Cross Jesus gave us Mary to be our Mother, Praise and thanksgiving should fill our hearts.

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

Priest/Religious/Bible Professor of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

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S	M	Tu	W	Th	F	S
					1 All day September 1, 2023 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION Pope Francis’ Message: https://www.vatican.va/content/ francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2023/documents/20230513- messaggio-giornata-curacreato.html NOVENA TO ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO BEGINS APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA (August 31-September 3, 2023) Day 2: Ulaanbaatar 1000 Arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar and official welcome. BIRTHDAY Sis. Alicia Bañares, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Amellory Jopia, SAR (Urbiztondo Chapter) Laurice Kathleen Barizo (RAY-Cavite) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Francisca de Sta. Maria, AR +Sr. Placida Patrimonio, AR +Sis. Primitiva Ayuda, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Pilar Betinol, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	2 All day September 2, 2023 APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA Day 3: Rome – Ulaanbaatar 0900 Welcome ceremony at Sükhbaatar Square 0930 Courtesy visit with President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh at the State Palace 1020 Meeting with authorities, members of the diplomatic corps and local representatives in the Ikh Mongol hall at the palace. Speech by pope. 1100 Meeting with Gombojavyn Zandanshatar, chairman of Mongolia’s parliament, the State Great Khural. 1110 Meeting with Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun- Erdene. 1600 Meeting with bishops, priests, religious, missionaries and pastoral workers at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. Speech by pope. BIRTHDAY Fray Federico Gregorio Sis. Maxima Malalay, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Maynard Negre (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aurora Cordova, SAR (Laray Chapter)
3 All day September 3, 2023 APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA Day 4: Ulaanbaatar 1000 Ecumenical and interreligious meeting at the Hun Theater. Speech by pope. 1600 Mass at the Steppe Arena. Homily by pope. OLCP- MIRANILA FIESTA MASS Time: 11:00 a.m. Presider & Homilist: Most Rev. Teodoro Bacani, D.D. BIRTHDAY Fray James Erold Gatinao Sr. Annielyn Alejado, AR Sis. Salvacion Alonzo, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Venus Corazon Maturan, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Bro. Arnel Ortega (Tondo Chapter / Trial) Jay Warren Oberes (RAY-Balamban) Regina Kyle Regonas (RAY-Balamban) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1969-2023) Fray Hernando Coja DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Rosario Padilla, AR + Sis. Luzonica del Rosario, SAR (Manila Chapter)	4 All day September 4, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR OAR VOCATION SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION Be reminded of the plenary indulgence we may obtain today! APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA Day 5: Ulaanbaatar, Rome 0930 Meeting with charity workers and the inauguration of the House of Mercy. Speech by pope. 1130 Farewell ceremony at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar. 1200 Departure by plane for Rome. 1720 Arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino airport. OLCP- LARAY FIESTA MASS Time: 5:00 p.m. Presider & Homilist: Most Rev. Emilio Bataclan, D.D. BIRTHDAY Sis. Mary Grace Morales, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Eufrocina Estanislao, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Marianne Burgos, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Rosario Claver, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Ms. Brenda Saliendra, Sister General of the OAR ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1993-2023 / 30th) Fray Emilio Jaruda, Jr. DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Melchora de Sta. Teresita de Jesus, AR +Sis. Dorotea Magallon, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Nonita Gingoyon, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	5 All day September 5, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Sixto Ciriaco Bitangjol Fray Tomokatsu Yamaguchi Sis. Marilyn Pariñas, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Luz Virginia Mapalo, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Camila Doctor (RAY-Urbiztondo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Antonia Dinsay, AR +Sis. Genoveva Deligero, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	6 All day September 6, 2023 INSTALLATION OF MOST REV. MOISES M. CUEVAS AS VICAR APOSTOLIC OF CALAPAN (Mindoro Oriental) [Hence, cession of the appointment of Rev. Fr. Nestor Adalia as Apostolic Administrator of Calapan] BIRTHDAY Fray Michael Catama Fray Rellyric Delos Santos Fray John Zachary Haguisan Bro. Jimi Paolo Valeza, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Nimfa Ramirez, SAR (Manila Chapter)	7 All day September 7, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Regino Bangcaya Sr. Anita Manigo, AR Sis. Charito Muñoz, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Cynthia Lata, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Rosalina Dumdum, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Osita Atotubo, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Estela Pahilanga, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Regina Babao, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	8 All day September 8, 2023 BIRTHDAY OF MAMA MARY BIRTHDAY Fray René Paglinawan Fray Monday Benjamine Edobor Sr. Alejandra Bendoval, AR Sis. Gregoria Torion, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Ma. Lota Ignacio, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE & SOLEMN PROFESSION Sr. Loraine Lechago, OAR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lourdes Lolita Caballero, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) +Sis. Leticia Jacinto, SAR (Manila Chapter)	9 All day September 9, 2023 SECRETARIAT ON INITIAL FORMATION MEETING 9:00 a.m. / Recoletos Formation Center BIRTHDAY Sr. Arlyn de la Cruz, AR Br. Ramon Bancal (aspirant) Sis. Maria Corazon Sigua, SAR (Manila Chapter) Laurence Canillo (RAY-Balamban) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1985-2023) Fray Dionisio Selma DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Gloria Donato, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
10 All day September 10, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINE Be reminded of the plenary indulgence we may obtain today! 53nd FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF THE RECOLETOS DE PROVINCIALATE AS A COMMUNITY (Est. 1970) BEATIFICATION OF THE ULMA FAMILY [Josef & Wiktoria and their seven children, including the unborn] Place of beatification: Markowa, Poland FIESTA MASS @ SNT ORATORY– UNO-R BACOLOD FIESTA MASS @ SNTP – TALISAY CITY, NEGROSOCCIDENTAL Time: 10:00 a.m. Presider: Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, D.D. FIESTA MASS @ SNTP – QUEZON CITY Time: 6:00 p.m. Presider: Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. FIESTA MASS @ SNDT MISSION CENTER – LOS ARCOS, AGUSAN DEL SUR Time: 9:00 a.m. Presider: Msgr. Isaleo Madelo (Vicar General for Pastoral Affairs) BIRTHDAY Sr. Eufrocina Rusiana, AR Sr. Mary Grace Judith Alamares, AR Bro. Inocencio Sayo, SAR (Miranila Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, D.D. (Bishop of Antipolo) (1989-2023) Fray Francisco Antonio Fray Amadeo Lucero DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Josefina Alegata, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	11 All day September 11, 2023 Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines– Men Assembly / September 11 – 15, 2023 Venue: St. Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality and Development Center, Brgy. San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Theme: “Enlarge the space of your tent” (Is 54:2) BOT MEETING – USJ-R MAIN, CEBU Venue: USJ-R Main, Cebu / 2:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Emilio Edgardo Quilatan Br. John Marco Daniel (postulant) Br. Christian Julag-ay (aspirant) Br. Francis Cortez, SAR (Manila Chapter / diocesan priest) Sis. Herminigilda Hernandez, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Davic James Cabatingan (RAY-Valencia) Dianne Morales (RAY-Provincialate) SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1998-2023) Fray Randolph Castulo Castillo Fray Charlito Orobia Fray Amado Emmanuel Bolilia Fray Jonathan Caballero DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Emilia Cruz, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	12 All day September 12, 2023 BOT MEETING – USJ-R BALAMBAN Venue: USJ-R Main, Cebu / 9:00 AM BIRTHDAY Fray Jorr Rabacal Br. Eivan Earl Martinez (postulant) Br. Ramon Jayson Valdez (aspirant) Sis. Esmalita Amigable, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Gerald Artates (RAY-Provincialate) PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY (1992-2023) Fray Leander Barrot Fray Paulino Dacanay	13 All day September 13, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Rosario Gaspar, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Aida Lopez, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Pacita Cisneros, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Robert John Navarro (RAY-Miranila) Hon. Rufus Rodriguez, Brother General of the Order ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1970-2023) Fray Dionisio Cachero ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1997-2023) Fray Jose Ernil Almayo DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Emilio Larlar Jr. (2020-2023) +Sis. Paz Garciano, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	14 All day September 14, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Lourdes Piccio, AR Sr. Floramae Lanuza, AR Sis. Catalina Marzon, SAR (Tondo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Rizalina Poblete, SAR (Cavite Chapter) +Bro. Paulino de la Cerna, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	15 All day September 15, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Anthony Morillo Fray James Bumangabang Bro. John Bumangabang, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Leonida Tejada, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Patria Laguna, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Beah Marie Ganarias (RAY-Bacolod) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lolita Jara, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Josefina Villa, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	16 All day September 16, 2023 111th ANNIVERSARY (1912-2023) OF RELIGIOSAS FAMILIAS BIRTHDAY Fray Joseph Cyprian Panaligan Fray Robin Ross Plata Sr. Mary Ann Lumactao, AR Bro. Nestor Paredes, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Angeles Gabutina, AR +Sis. Maxima Barrera, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
17 All day September 17, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Ma. Nimfa Garganta, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Aurora Guilaran, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Anita Luces, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Julia Tamsi (RAY-Baguio) Most Rev. Socrates Mesiona, D.D. (Apost. Vicariate of Puerto Princesa) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Regina Morales, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	18 All day September 18, 2023 BOT MEETING – UNO-R BACOLOD Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 2:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Henry Santiago Br. Sean Cass Alvarez (postulant) Sr. Ma. Ruth Gulane, AR Sis. Mary Ann Cabanes, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Demetria Bayona, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lourdes Donayre, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	19 All day September 19, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK FEAST OF ST. ALONSO DE OROZCO 5TH ANNIVERSARY (1918-2023) OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE PIONEER RECOLETOS IN INDONESIA BOT MEETING – CST-R SAN CARLOS Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 8:00 a.m. BOT MEETING – SPA-R CAIDIOCAN Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 10:00 a.m. BOT MEETING – CSP-R VALENCIA Venue: UNO-R Bacolod /2:00 p.m. BOT MEETING – CSNT-R TALISAY Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 4:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Joseph Philip Trayvilla Fray Joel Alve Bro. Leonaldrin Ostia, SAR (Tondo Chapter / Trial)	20 All day September 20, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Nena Labrague, AR Sr. Kristine Ignacio, AR Sis. Corazon Catindig, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Normita Pleno, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Estella Marie Andador (RAY-Talisay)	21 All day September 21, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Alexus Mansueto Sis. Carmencita Estillore, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Estrelleta Alao, SAR (Laray Chapter) Sis. Normita Pleno, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Efigenia Itong, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Isabel Pantoja, AR +Sr. Salvacion Olalo, AR +Sr. Ma. Susana Quiñones, AR +Sis. Aquilina Gonzales, SAR (Manila Chapter)	22 All day September 22, 2023 APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO MARSEILLE BIRTHDAY Sr. Marietta Angelica Gunayan, AR Sr. Nancy Macaraig, AR Sr. Sheryl Garcia, AR Sis. Mauricia Romero, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Pilar Gomez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Lebron Jay Bantog (RAY-Valencia)	23 All day September 23, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Vicente Ramon, Jr. Sis. Julia Sonsona, SAR (Tondo Chapter) ANNIVERSAY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Roberto Gaa (Diocese of Novaliches) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Sebastiana Jaropojop, AR +Sr. Agustina Salcedo, AR +Sis. Florencia Velarde, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Dolores Romarate, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
24 3:40 PM September 24, 2023 109th WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES Pope Francis’ Message: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/migration/documents/20230511-world-migrants-day-2023.html BIRTHDAY Br. Christian Jay Manalo (aspirant) Sis. Bernadita Campos, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Dinah Espino, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Aura Mae Salanap, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sugarrey Rendajae (RAY-Talisay) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1967-2023) Fray Emeterio Buñao	25 All day September 25, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Lucita Mingueto, OAR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Esperanza Heffler, AR	26 All day September 26, 2023 DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Socorro Ladim, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) +Sis. Belen Osorio, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	27 All day September 27, 2023 44TH WORLD TOURISM DAY Theme: “Tourism and Green Investment” Pope Francis’ Message: http://www.evangelizatio.va/ content/dam/pcpne/pdf/PastoraledelTurismo/44Messaggio/ Messaggio%20GMT%202023%20-%20Inglese.pdf BIRTHDAY Sr. Rafaela Paras, AR Sr. Damiana Tafalla, AR Sr. Ma. Melodina Ramirez, AR Sis. Encarnacion Cinco, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Susan Manalon, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Sis. Ruth Miralles, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY: +Sr. Genoveva del Santísimo Sacramento, AR	28 All day September 28, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSION BLESSED MARTYRS OF JAPAN 1ST FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF RECOLETOS DE LOS ARCOS MEETING OF PROVINCIAL PROCURATORS Sept. 28-30, 2023 / Rome BIRTHDAY Bro. Ruel Alcedo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Salome Mapili, SAR (Valencia Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Iluminada Apurillo, AR +Sis. Concesa da Silva, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	29 All day September 29, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Roderick Deguit Br. Joseph Alladen Lagare (aspirant) Sis. Mercedita Macabihag, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Rodelin Oredina (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Maria Acuña, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Elvira Birondo, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	30 All day September 30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Ferdinand Fornilos Sis. Teresita Labos, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (2017-2023) Fray Invenzor Melgazo Fray Jayferson Baldelovar Fray Mark Saludes DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Fabiana Gimongala, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

Reflection: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

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Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

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