Today is Jan. 2, the memorial of Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors.
At today’s Mass we read, “Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father” (1 Jn 2:24).
On the slopes of Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, lies a sacred place steeped in biblical history and spiritual significance: the Cave of Elijah. This hallowed site, associated with the great prophet who called down fire from heaven and heard the still, small voice of God, is a reminder of God’s enduring presence in moments of trial and revelation. Above this cave stands the Stella Maris Monastery, dedicated to Our Lady Star of the Sea, whose maternal care has guided countless souls through the storms of life.
In this holy season of Christmas, we are invited to reflect on how the mysteries of Elijah’s prophetic mission and the tender devotion to Our Lady converge in the light of Christ’s birth. Elijah’s cave is a place of solitude and encounter, where God revealed Himself not in thunder or fire but in a whisper of peace. Similarly, the manger in Bethlehem–a simple, unassuming shelter–became the site of the greatest revelation: the Word made flesh, God with us.
Devotion to Stella Maris
Above Elijah’s cave, the devotion to Stella Maris, Our Lady Star of the Sea, shines as a beacon of hope for all who journey through life’s storms. Mary, who presented her son to the shepherds and Wise Men and treasured the mysteries of His life in her heart, continues to point the way to Christ. Just as sailors have long looked to the stars to navigate treacherous waters, we look to Mary as the Star of the Sea, whose light guides us safely to the harbor of her Son’s love.
As we celebrate this holy season, let us carry with us the lessons of Elijah’s cave and the devotion to Stella Maris. Let us seek the quiet places of our hearts, where we can hear the still, small voice of God calling us to deeper trust. Let us look to Mary, the Star of the Sea, and ask for her guidance as we navigate the challenges of life. And let us, like the shepherds and the Magi, draw near to the manger, where the Light of the World awaits to renew and transform us.
Let us pray,
O God, who were pleased to give light to your Church by the example and teaching of the Bishops Saints Basil and Gregory, grant, we pray, that in humility we may learn your truth and practice it faithfully in charity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
