Men's Rosary

THE PRESENTATION

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took Him up to the temple to present Him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord” (Luke 2:46)

Fruit of the mystery: Obedience

Mary and Joseph were obedient to God. Even though they had God made flesh in their arms, they were obedient to what God requires. We are all supposed to be obedient to the Lord, unfortunately many are not and even those who try to be fall short!

I ask myself, “What does it mean for me to be obedient to God?” the answer seems simple enough. Do what He asks? I find the challenge within the answer.

Do what He asks. What is He asking? This is why prayer is so important. There is no way to do what is asked of oneself if we have not heard the request. We cannot hear if we do not listen. We cannot listen if we are not praying! Mary is the perfect model of prayer and contemplation, and as such, heard God and was perfectly obedient.

This type of prayerful listening is not found in our vocal prayers, while they are important, but is found in silent prayer. Time needs to be spent with the Lord in silence. Even the prophet Elijah did not hear God in anything but a murmuring sound. (1 Kings 9-13)

I know that to obey God I must listen to Him. I try to make time daily to sit with Him in prayerful silence. This can be at home, at adoration, time before Mass, etc. When we simply be with God, and open our hearts to Him, He will speak to us. Then we can obey Him. Many times, I have failed in doing this, but He has given us the wonderful Sacrament of Reconciliation to apologize for the failure and receive strength to go forward and do better.

Through silent prayer we can hear and obey God and serve Him well. May we be good, faithful and obedient servants!

“The more we can give in our silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life.” (St. Mother Teresa)