“WHAT DO YOU SEE?” (Lk 2:16-21): 01 January 2008 (Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Tuesday)
Reading: www.nccbuscc.org/nab/010108.shtml
Among the many images of Mary as the Mother of God, this 12th-century icon of the Virgin of Vladimir is my personal favorite. One of the most venerated icons in Russia, it is also known as the Icon of Tenderness not only because Mary holds her child with great tenderness, but also because the child wraps his arm around his mother’s neck and tenderly presses his cheek against hers.