Our Lady of Tenderness
The icon portrays the bond of intimacy between the Mother of God and her son Jesus. Their cheeks meet in loving embrace, and their eyes in a gaze of mutual compassion.
Icons are often described as “windows” to the divine. They invite us to deeper pondering to a meaning that might not be immediately obvious with just our sense of sight. We might choose to just silently observe, basking in wonder.
Let us pray.
Mary, tender mother, you and your child are cheek to cheek and heart to heart. He shares your humanity. I am drawn to your compassionate gaze. What is it that you want me to hear? May I also learn to love tenderly. Amen.
How is today’s image/reflection a “window” into the mystery of the Incarnation?
Nuestra Señora de la Ternura
El icono representa el vínculo de intimidad entre la Madre de Dios y su hijo Jesús. Sus mejillas se encuentran en un abrazo amoroso y sus ojos en una mirada de mutua compasión.
Los iconos se describen a menudo como “ventanas” a lo divino. Nos invitan a reflexionar más profundamente sobre un significado que podría no ser inmediatamente obvio con solo nuestro sentido de la vista. Podríamos elegir simplemente el observar en silencio, deleitándonos con el asombro.
Oremos,
María, madre tierna, tú y tu hijo están mejilla con mejilla y corazón a corazón. Él comparte tu humanidad. Soy atraída por tu mirada compasiva. ¿Qué es lo que quieres que yo escuche? Que yo también aprenda a amar con ternura. Amén.
¿Cómo es hoy la imagen/reflejo de una “ventana” al misterio de la Encarnación?
Sisters of Divine Providence 
Gazing into your eyes, I have a lived experience of providential presence. No words or action will heal my brokenness, my sadness. But your compassionate presence assures me that I am not alone.
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What a beautiful icon! I love how Jesus has his one hand around Mary’s neck, holding on to her, while his other hand is open. Both of Mary’s hands are open, holding Jesus, but not clutching or grasping. May this Advent teach us all to hold on to Jesus, and like Mary, to be open to all that Advent wishes to give us in graces.
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