Abstract and real models

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today offers us texts which highlight trust, pondering and hope presented in prophetic and richly symbolic language. The opening prayer at Mass speaks of the birth of Mary's Son as the dawn of our salvation and asks for an increase of peace. Friar Jude Winkler links the dual interpretations of the prophecy of Micah, the plan of God explained by Paul to the Romans and the gematria of the first chapter of Matthew’s Gospel to comment that God worked through unusual women in the past. The “yes” of Mary is the capstone of this tradition. The expression of righteousness as compassion and the qualities of trusting and pondering are set as models by the Holy Family for those who seek God.