Mary's Spring

 

Photo from Bible Walks

According to Christian tradition, John the Baptist was born in the small village of Ein Kerem, located south of Jerusalem. When the Virgin Mary was pregnant with Jesus, she traveled to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth. At that time, Elizabeth was already six months pregnant. As Mary greeted her cousin, John "leaped" in Elizabeth's womb (Luke 1:39-41).

South of Ein Kerem, a spring known as Mary's Spring flows out of the ground. Here, tradition says, Mary stopped to drink before going up the hill to Elizabeth's home.

This holy site is located on  Ein Kerem Street, Ein Kerem 9087200, Israel.

Dawn Pisturino

May 12, 2023

Copyright 2023 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

The Nativity

 

If Mary had not agreed to become the mother of Jesus, there would be no Christmas today. If Joseph had not agreed to become the stepfather of Jesus, who knows what would have happened? Mary and her son would have been vulnerable and unprotected. But the story of Jesus and his mission here on earth unfolded exactly as God intended. It is the choice of human beings whether they accept it or not. Have you opened your heart to the Christ Child? Have you accepted his humility and peace? It is easy to become discouraged in a fast-paced world that has no regard for spiritual or moral values. But Mary was a virtuous woman who brought the Light of God into the world. Let's remember his teachings as we celebrate with family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

Dawn Pisturino

December 23, 2022

Copyright 2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Meditations on the Sorrowful Mysteries

 

The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

 

When Mary agreed to be the mother of Jesus, did she understand the great mission He would fulfill?

 

The agony in the garden represents Jesus' moment of Truth. He has come to the end of His ministry and the beginning of the fulfillment of His great destiny. He has agreed to become a willing sacrifice to the Great Work of God, His father.

 

What are we willing to sacrifice in our own lives for God?

 

The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar

 

Jesus suffers pain, loss, and humiliation at the hands of His enemies. From the moment of Judas' betrayal, Jesus is stripped of His dignity, humbled, and punished.

 

 How many times have we been betrayed by a friend, a husband, a lover, a family member? We remember the pain, the humiliation, the loss of dignity and self-respect.

 

Jesus forgave His enemies. Do we have the strength to do the same? 

 

The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

 

When Jesus is crowned with thorns, His enemies believed they were humiliating Him and making fun of Him. But this crowning foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory.

 

We too will achieve ultimate victory over our enemies and our sins, if we are humble, steadfast, and patient.

 

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

 

Such weight! Such burden! Jesus carried the sins of mankind on His back, along with the Cross. He stumbled and fell but never wavered on His journey.

 

What burdens do we carry on our backs? What crosses do we bear? Do we bear them happily and willingly, for the sake of God? Or, do we grumble and fret, looking to free ourselves?

 

Love God and trust in His mercy.

 

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion

 

Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, weeping, as her beloved son's life slipped away. Darkness filled the world. But Mary never gave up hope. She trusted in God's will while waiting for Her son's resurrection. She forgave His enemies and gave comfort to the apostles. She became a mother to all mankind.

 

We honor Mary for her love, strength, and devotion. She raises us up, just like she raised her beloved son, Jesus.

 

Dawn Pisturino

Copyright 2015 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

 

Meditations on the Joyful Mysteries

 

by Dawn Pisturino

 

 

 

THE FIRST JOYFUL MYSTERY: The Annunciation

 

 

There would be no Christmas without Mary and Joseph.

 

Mary answered the call to serve God by agreeing to become the mother of Jesus.  She supported Jesus throughout his ministry, suffering as He suffered, and growing in her faith, despite the terrible death of her son. 

 

Joseph overcame his doubts and fears and accepted the responsibility of becoming a stepfather to Mary's son. He loved and protected the blessed infant and his mother. He stands as a role model for all men everywhere. 

 

THE SECOND JOYFUL MYSTERY: The Visitation

 

 

What joy Elizabeth felt when she recognized the special gift growing in Mary's womb! What joy she felt when her own son, John, leapt in her own womb!  Both women, blessed by God, helped to change the world. This is the special gift of all mothers, that their children have the power to create a better world for all God's children.

 

 

THE THIRD JOYFUL MYSTERY: The Nativity

 

The King arrives as a simple child, guileless, innocent, and vulnerable. His complete purity of mind, heart, and body reminds us that we, too, were born innocent. The world takes away that innocence, and it is in worshipping the small, innocent child that we regain our own purity. Kneel down to the King and worship Him.

 

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

 

THE FOURTH JOYFUL MYSTERY: The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple

 

Mary fulfilled her duties and presented her child to the Temple and to God, his father. So, too, can we fulfill our duties by attending Mass and presenting ourselves to God, our father.

 

THE FIFTH JOYFUL MYSTERY: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

 

Just as Jesus got about His father's business in the Temple, so, too, must we educate ourselves, be familiar with the Gospels and the teachings of the Catholic Church, and be about our Father's business.

 

PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Dawn Pisturino

 

copyright 2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.