A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Revelation 12:1)
The stained glass window in the sanctuary of our church depicts Mary with head bowed and tilted downward, and with arms folded at her heart. Was it a stroke of spiritual genius or a God-incidence that this window is the one nearest the tabernacle? It is as if she is looking down lovingly at her son in the tabernacle and on the altar. It is as if she is caressing him at her heart, as she held him, body and blood, soul and divinity, when he born to her at Bethlehem, and when he was taken down from the cross and placed in her arms.
After Mass on today’s solemnity of the Immaculate Conception I got on a ladder, and took a photo from Mary’s eyes toward her Son … 
And then a photo from the tabernacle up toward the window …
On this feast of the Immaculate Conception, we place ourselves in her arms for her to hold us. We feel her embrace and her protection. We feel her eyes on us, in her everlastingly motherly way.
With Open Doors 
Thanks, Father Rob!
A great tribute to both the Macro, Our Lady’s December Feast Day, and the Micro, our place in Milford in relation to the world at large. Please keep up the good work, and let us all pray for our country this week, since Mary Immaculate is the Patron of the USA. May she continue to aid in our protection and may we lead lives worthy as we may of it.
It’s been evident to me for a long time how much Mary loves you, Fr. Rob. Now it’s quite evident how much you love her!
Beautiful reflection!
JoAnne
I have had the pleasure of teaching middle school for 20 years before I went on disability. In those 20 years and the years since, I have never ceased to be amazed at the impact “my kids” have had on my life and the insight of these young adults. I just received a post from “one of my kids” who was a 7th grader back in 1998 and her post made me immediately think of you and your reflections. “If life becomes more than you can stand, kneel.” Amen.’
I keep replaying this phrase in my head though my faulty brain fuse is often twisting the words but no matter as I struggle to find my place and peace these days at St. Pat’s in London, OH ~ it is again that one of “my kids” is teaching me. And so many think that it is only the teacher teaching the curriculum.