Memorial of Our
Lady of Mount Carmel
(Exodus 2:1-15a; Matthew 11:20-24)
Moses’ mother uses both work and wit to save him from
destruction. She takes pain to hide him when
he is born so that he would not be taken away.
When that is no longer possible, she strategizes to have Moses adopted
into the royal family. She even manages
to take care of him on behalf of the Egyptian princess. Her care is of the order celebrated on this
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
In Christian tradition Mary, the Mother of God, is known
in various ways. She is the Virgin Maiden
who disposes herself completely with God’s call. She is also the Queen of Apostles, the first human
to proclaim God’s love in Jesus Christ.
She is also the great protectoress giving shelter to those under siege. Our Lady of Mount Carmel should be seen
especially in this last way.
She is associated with the brown scapular. Scapulars were originally exterior clothing worn
over the shoulders as an outer vestment.
They were like sweaters or, if worn alone, light jackets to provide protection
against the elements. In time the brown
scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel became famous for protecting its wearer
from vices. Because the full-body
version was not needed for this spiritual purpose, its size was reduced. Today the scapular is but two cloth emblems linked
by two laces but still worn over the head.
As always with sacramentals, the scapular itself does not protect
anyone. But it does remind us to ask
Mary to pray for us to God.
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