FORMATION
FORMATION 1997
THEME NO.8
‘Mary is proposed as the
model of faith which is put into practice’ (cf TMA 43)
1. Formation Prayer
(To be recited by all present).
In the name of the Father …
Heavenly Father, as we commence this session
of the Formation Programme, help us to believe you are near to us and that you care for
each one of us every day of our lives. Send the Holy Spirit to be our helper and our
guide, enlightening our minds, giving us the grace to serve you with generous hearts and
inspiring us to stand firm as Christians in your love. We ask this through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
2. Scripture Reading – John
19:25–27
(Read by the discussion leader or the
member nominated by him.)
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus
was his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing beside her, he said to his
mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is
your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
3. The Message
(Read by the discussion leader or the
member nominated by him.)
It was not long before the Church realised a
very important element in the mystery of the Christian life. The believer is a member of a
spiritual family. The believer needs Mary as a model if he is to grow to full maturity as
a disciple of Christ. Because Mary is honoured as being truly the Mother of God and of the
redeemer, she is also the mother of those who are members of Christ. Throughout the life
of her son and at the hour of his death, Mary was totally involved in the mission of
Jesus. She lived a life of faith which caused her to experience much pain and suffering.
Because she was faithful to the divine plan, Mary was also there at the foot of the Cross
and endured the intensity of his son’s suffering and joined in his sacrifice with her
mother’s heart. We are also told in the Acts of the Apostles that Mary was there to
assist the beginning of the Church by her prayers and presence. In a recent speech, Pope
John Paul II stated that Mary "lives hope in a sublime way; she knows that she will
not be disappointed, even if she does not know the times and the ways in which God will
fulfill his promise. In the darkness of faith and without extraordinary signs to announce
the beginning of the Messianic work of the Son, she hopes beyond all evidence, waiting for
God’s fulfilment of his promise".
4. The Exercise
(Five minutes of reflection by all
members.)
How has devotion to Mary influenced my life
as a Christian?
How would I describe the personality of Mary,
the mother of the Lord?
Can I think of examples in the Gospels where
it is clear that Mary lived a life of faith?
5. The Sharing
(Members share aspects of their personal
faith and its place in their lives that have come to them through the Exercise.)
6. The Word
(The basis of meditation and reflection
for the ensuing month given by the discussion leader.)
"Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let
it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).
7. Closing Prayer
(Recited by all members)
God of mercy, give us strength. May we who
honour the memory of the mother of God rise above our sins and failings with the help of
her prayers. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
