October is the month of Mary's Rosary. Here are ten short prayer-focusing meditations before the Tolga icon of the Mother of God. The icon's 14th century story is told through the prayers.
Our Father
The Holy Bishop, Prochorus was traveling throughout his diocese and stopped to spend the night along the Tolga River. He was awakened at midnight by a bright light shining among the trees. May we know Christ who calls himself, Light for the World.
Hail Mary...
The icon of the Mother of God was revealed to the bishop at midnight. May we be inwardly awakened to Christ these days of deep darkness.
Hail Mary...
Prochorus wasn't a stay-in-the-office bishop, but a traveler. As our lives are a kind of traveling on this blue, green and white planet, may we discover God's energies, which delight us with gifts and blessings.
Hail Mary...
The maphorian of the Mother of God is the color of clay. May we be grounded in a Mary-like faith, humility and gratitude.
Hail Mary...
The Tolga icon is of the Eleousa (tenderness) type — the Holy Child and Mother are cheek to cheek. Christ's left arm reaches around his Mother's neck. I pray for those who only know fear and desperation, who hope to feel this kind of belonging. Deporting hopeless people who have lost everything is not the gospel way.
Hail Mary...
The Holy Mother holds and supports the Christ with her left hand. I give thanks for those who have held me up and supported or guided me over the years — offering this prayer for those who are rejected and cast away.
Hail Mary...
The Mother of God seems to have stepped up to heaven's window looking full-faced with Christ into our world. May I never fear looking with eyes of mercy into our world of troubles.
Hail Mary...
The icon is not approached with the world's critical, consumerist eye — "Does this suit my tastes? Would this complement my décor?" but with a heart of wonder. May wonder be birthed again in me, as when I was a child.
Hail Mary...
The Holy Child is in full motion — as if he has taken a running jump into his Mother's arms. This is how the world is loved by God — God, who is not waiting for us to sin, but who leaps in love into our world.
Hail Mary...
This is an old icon, cracked, chipped. I ask for strength when I am feeling worn down, where strength is perhaps fading, asking to feel God's close embrace. I also pray for —N— to experience this enabling strength today.
Hail Mary...
Glory be to the Father...
