CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
The
Christmas 2023 Issue
The Paraclete
1
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon
PARACLETE Parish of the Holy Spirit, BF Homes, Quezon City
December 2023
Mary as God’s First Influencer By Angeli Francis S. Rivera
Mary and St. Joseph provided the environment for Jesus to mature in relation to himself, God, and POPE FRANCIS CALLED Mary “God’s first society (cf. Luke 2:52). influencer,” alongside St. John Bosco, the “Influencer of the Young,” and Blessed Carlo If Mary is the first influencer of God, then Acutis, the “Catholic Influence,” in his concluding legionaries, in their own capacity, can establish remarks at the World Youth Day on January 26, God’s “dwelling” even in digital spaces. Although 2019 in Panama. Although the first two saints are no document is written yet that would become a not literal digital influencers, they are influencers precedence for creating digital tents in cyberspace in terms of holiness and service. The legionary (with the exemption of Pope Francis’ Christus system is by no means indifferent to holiness Vivit, or apostolic exhortation to Young People), and service, for the Legion of Mary’s object is the the legionary system is a perfect model for its glory of God through the holiness of its members distinct characteristics: developed by prayer and active cooperation” First, the legionary system is fruitful. The legionary (Chapter 2, Object of the Legion). system is patterned after the master-apprentice Mary herself is the spirit of the Legion and its model, where the apprentice accompanies the apostolic life (Chapter 3, Spirit of the Legion). teacher at work. The apprentice does not parrot Her humility and obedience crown her numerous but can develop his/her talents even if he/she virtues above all. From the Hebrew etymology, ob- differs from the master in status and profession. audire (to listen and to follow), biblical obedience This shows the fruitfulness of the Gospel in any emphasizes the importance of listening before context and the ability of the lay apostolate to better acting upon what is heard. In the Annunciation people and institutions in response to “God’s story, Mary was found to ask, “How shall this active work in human history” (Lumen Gentium, be? Since I have no husband” (Luke 1:38), which no. 9). Through and with Mary, legionaries can pointed out that she listened well and openly make the Gospel values incarnate in any culture stated her thoughts before giving her sweet fiat and order them to the common good of the society in confidence to God. Although “blessed among and for the greater glory of God (Chapter 10, The women,” (Luke 1:40) Mary did not exalt herself Legionary Apostolate, no. 2). above others. God alone is the object of her praise, and her humility has become the model of Second, the legionary system is disciplined “effective legionary action” (Chapter 6, The Duty and orderly. The legionary life is a lifestyle of of Legionaries Towards Mary, no. 2). Her divine perseverance and growth. From weekly attendance motherhood attested to this virtue. Just as every to the ordering of items in the agenda, the parent’s duty is to raise their children in a healthy “methodical” approach ties every legionary to the environment that guarantees their holistic growth, local Church he/she serves and, as a consequence,