MARY, THE MODEL OF LIVING TABERNACLES

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 119

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 119: "I want you to be a living tabernacle. It is very pleasing to Me."

We must look to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the most ideal model our Adorable Jesus has given us, to properly understand what it is to be a living tabernacle. From the sacred moment of the Annunciation, when Mary humbly accepted the divine will of God, she became the first living tabernacle, carrying within her womb the Incarnate Word, our Adorable Jesus (Luke 1:38). This profound mystery recalls the Old Testament Ark of the Covenant, which prefigured Mary as the true Ark, the vessel chosen to bear the real presence of God Himself . Throughout her life, the Blessed Mother epitomized the virtues of a true disciple—she heard the Word of God and faithfully acted upon it, with an unwavering trust that mirrored the faith of Abraham and the holy ones of old (Ex 25:10-22,Lk 1:45; Heb 11:8).

Mary’s sacred mission as a living tabernacle did not cease after the Annunciation but continued through her every action, especially during moments of trial and sorrow. Her intercession with our Adorable Jesus at the wedding feast at Cana led to His first miracle, she stood at the foot of the Cross in perfect union with Christ in His redeeming suffering, and even after His ascension, the Blessed Mother continued to be a source of grace and strength to the early Church, her prayers and presence nourishing the apostles .

As living tabernacles, we are called to imitate Mother Mary’s readiness to accept God’s will, trusting that His plan is for our ultimate good, even when we do not fully understand it . We have the responsibility to share the presence of our Adorable Jesus with others, just as Mary did when she presented Him to Elizabeth, which led to the joyful declaration of the Magnificat (Lk 1:38, Lk 1:39-56).

Her life teaches us that to be a living tabernacle is not just to receive Christ in Holy Communion but to let His presence permeate every aspect of our lives. We are to imitate the compassion and love of Christ in all that we do, just as Mary did, with humility, obedience, and faith in God’s plan, which were the pillars of her life. In imitating Mary, we bring the light of Christ into deep shadows and serve as instruments of His grace in a world that seeks it (Mt 5:14-16).

Prayer

O Blessed Mother Mary, first living tabernacle of our Adorable Jesus, help us to carry Christ in our hearts as you did. Grant us your humility, obedience, and unwavering trust, so we may reflect His love and mercy in all we do, bringing His presence to others.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.