Tag: mary

“Your word has been fulfilled.” | The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 2:22-35)

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Mary and Joseph faithfully observe Jewish law by presenting Jesus in the temple to consecrate him to the Lord. They are not a wealthy couple, as evidenced by their gift of two young turtledoves offered for sacrifice. Luke relates their encounter with Simeon (and later the prophetess Anna) as he prophesies God’s fulfillment of promises in Jesus, who will be a sign of contradiction and that Mary will experience great sorrow in this unfolding: Simeon says, “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” Simeon proclaims that Jesus came not only for Jewish people but to bring salvation to all.

God, help me today see that you have spoken through the prophets and ultimately through Jesus, inviting all to redemption and salvation through faith in your Son. Luke says that Simeon took Jesus into his arms and blessed God. Open my eyes, Lord, to see the opportunity today to take Jesus into my arms and give you glory. I am struck by the poverty of Joseph and Mary, that out of that poverty they hold in their arms your inexhaustible treasure of love and mercy, Emmanuel—”God is with us.”

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!” Glory to you, Lord, your word has been fulfilled!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Good news of great joy.” | The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 2:15-20)

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.

After the shepherds find Mary and Joseph, seeing near them Jesus lying in the manger, they go out and proclaim the message the angel had shared with them before they began their journey: “Do not be afraid;” the angel said, “for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And then the shepherds witnessed a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to those on who his favor rests.” Mary must have been the first among those to hear the shepherd’s story, keeping all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

Father in heaven, thank you for sending Jesus and placing him in the care of Mary and Joseph. “Good news of great joy that will be for all people . . . a savior has been born for you.” These unknown, humble shepherds were the first to hear of the birth of Jesus. After seeing Jesus, they immediately go out and tell others what they had witnessed: “When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.” Lord, help me see the birth of Jesus as a way to get back to basics, unafraid to share with others what I have witnessed: Jesus is Messiah and Lord, a savior born for me and for all the people. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

From the second reading: “He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“May it be done to me according to your word.” | Fourth Sunday of Advent

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:26-38)

And the angel said to [Mary] in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

When the angel appears to Mary, he tells her that it is through the power of the Most High that Mary is to conceive the child Jesus. Through his birth, with Mary as his mother, Jesus is both the Son of David and the Son of Mary. In the Annunciation, we hear an echo of the words from the first reading, where God, speaking through Nathan the prophet, says: “I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.” In Mary’s obedience, God’s will is fulfilled in bringing forth the Savior who redeems humanity from sin, offering the gift of eternal life with the Father in the kingdom of heaven.

God, help me understand that what takes place in the Annunciation also takes place within me as I approach you in faith. Mary’s fiat is a confirmation of trust in you, that you deliver on every promise you make. As you say through the psalmist, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” In the fulfillment of your promises through Jesus Christ your Son, you are with me wherever I go. Nothing is impossible for you. Help me say yes to you, to let it be done to me according to your word.

From the first reading: “And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:26-38)

And coming to the virgin Mary, the angel Gabriel said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.”

Mary responds in at least three ways when the angel Gabriel comes to her. She is troubled that he should say she is full of grace and that the Lord is with her. Next, she asks Gabriel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And before he suddenly departs, she says, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” The three responses offer insights into the spiritual life of Mary. First, she showed humility in her response to being called full of grace, that the Lord was with her. There is also her ability to dwell on and discern how God works in her and through her. Second, she questions how she will conceive, eliminating human intervention and allowing Gabriel to tell her how this will happen: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Finally, without a moment to process what any of this means, she says yes to God. Mary shows us the way to humility, reason and discernment in understanding God’s will, and cooperation with his grace. Above all, as the Mother of God she shows us the way to her Son.

God, in Mary’s encounter with the angel, I see a kind of clarity in Mary’s communication with him that I am likely never to experience in my life. Yet, because Mary was conceived without original sin, she had no inclination toward it that would obstruct her view of your will. In perfect clarity, Gabriel communicated her role in salvation history, and in a state of perfect grace, Mary said yes to your holy will. Lord, give me the grace to remove the barriers that prevent me from hearing you and knowing your will. Once understanding it, help me follow through in cooperating with every good gift of yours that is meant to be shared.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.” Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“There is need of only one thing.” | Tuesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 10:38-42)

“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

In today’s Gospel, Luke gives us a view into Jesus’ friendship with Martha and Mary. He tells us that Martha welcomes Jesus as he enters a village. Without Luke describing how, we see Jesus in the house of Martha and Mary. At that moment, Martha is burdened with much serving while Mary is “beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.” Where would Mary be without Martha? She has welcomed Jesus into her home and served him hospitably with food and drink. Because of this, Mary is able to give wholehearted attention to the words of the Lord. And where would Martha be without Mary? Although Martha is anxious and asks, “Lord, do you not care,” Mary holds up for her a fundamental choice—the better part. What is the one thing needed but to quiet yourself in the presence of the Lord?

God, I want to be in your presence today. Whether I am aware of you, I will go on with the day regardless, busy with many things and anxious to accomplish them. Martha, in her frustration, said, “Lord, do you not care?” Yet, that in itself is a prayer for your presence and an expression of need. When I forget you today, bring me back through your grace to recognize that I need you. Call me back, Lord, to sit at your feet and hear your voice. Help me remember today’s Gospel acclamation as a way to return to you again and again: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

From the responsorial psalm: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. LORD, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?” Lord, hear my voice!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” | Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 10:17-24)

Turning to the disciples in private Jesus said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

In today’s Gospel, as the seventy-two disciples return from their mission, Jesus hears of their victories for body and soul over the powers of darkness. The disciples say to Jesus: “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus replies, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.” And he tells them that he has given them power so that the full force of the enemy will not harm them. Jesus rejoices in the Father in this and praises his will. In Jesus’ name and in the revelation of his divine identity, the disciples accomplished through childlike faith the Father’s work, which has written their names in heaven.

God, you offer me continually the opportunity to see your will accomplished through childlike faith and trust. Help me see the daily battle that rages on. Because of his holy name, Jesus your Son sees Satan falling like lightning from the sky, and he says to the disciples and to me: “Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you.” Through the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, help lift me up today to hear these words when I am in most need of hearing them. Give me the grace, Lord, to return to you again and again for the strength and mercy only you can give me.

From the first reading: “As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God, turn now ten times the more to seek him. For he who has brought disaster upon you will, in saving you, bring you back enduring joy.” Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for me to hear and do whatever Jesus tells me. Take me in hand and show me the way to Christ your Son!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 8:19-21)

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

Today’s Gospel picks up where yesterday’s left off. After Luke relates Jesus’ parable of the lamp, he describes a time when Jesus had before him a great crowd. Someone tells him that his mother and his brothers, or brethren, stand outside, unable to get to him. Jesus’ reply to him seems brusque. Yet, before him at that moment were people intent on hearing the word of God. No one else supported Jesus’ mission and fulfillment as the Messiah as much as Mary did, so how is it possible that Jesus was rejecting Mary and his brethren? A central message of the Gospel is unity, as Jesus prays in John’s Gospel, “so that they may all be one.” Rather than pointing out divisions among those who come to hear him, Jesus has in Mary and the brethren members of a spiritual family united in God.

God, deepen in me the desire to hear your word and act on it. Through your grace, help me see beyond superficial divisions within relationships and nurture unity among people I encounter by acting on your word—your word, which alone is the source of all unity in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Luke says that Mary was unable to join Jesus because of the crowd. Teach me what I need to take to heart: whether I am aware of it, you always take initiative to make your nearness known. In obedience to your word and your Church, Lord, I become your adopted son, confident in your presence.

From the responsorial psalm: “I rejoiced because they said to me, ‘We will go up to the house of the LORD.’ And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.” Lord, guide me in your ways today; teach me to observe your word.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 19:23-30)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”

Having just spoken to the wealthy young man, Jesus then turns to his disciples and tells them how hard it is for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Peter tells Jesus that they have given up everything to follow him. “What will there be for us?” he asks Jesus. To Peter and the disciples Jesus says that when he sits on his throne of glory in the world to come, they also will sit on twelve thrones. To anyone who detaches from the things of this world and selflessly follows him, Jesus says they “will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.”

God, help me understand the words of Jesus. Being a disciple means putting myself behind others in a life dedicated to service for the sake of your name. What is impossible for me you make possible from your very being, the source of all good. Help me put in right relationship to you the things of this world. Rather than seeking to attain as much as I believe I need in a given week or month or year, instead teach me to trust you for what I need. Help me see the actual value of wealth and material possessions so that I can use them justly for the good of all.

From the responsorial psalm: “I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people, and to his faithful ones, and to those who put in him their hope.” Mary, Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | 8.15.23

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (LK 1:39-56)

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.”

In her response to Elizabeth, Mary gives personal witness to the great things God has done for her. She identifies herself as “his lowly servant” and then goes on to proclaim the good God has done for those who fear him, for those who are lowly in the eyes of the world, and for those who are hungry in body and spirit for his goodness. In her Magnificat, Mary confirms the strength of God’s arm and his promise of mercy.

God, help me call to mind today all that you do for me. Holy is your name. Let me take courage in your promise of mercy, even to the point of your Son’s death and resurrection, which destroyed death and brought all who believe and follow him the hope of the resurrection. Help me recall today the words of Saint Paul from the second reading: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Mary, Queen of Heaven, sees your Son sitting at your right hand in eternal glory. Animate in me the desire and hope to one day see them face to face in their joyful reunion.

From the Canticle of Zechariah: “Who is this that comes forth like the dawn, as beautiful as the moon, as resplendent as the sun?” Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us! Show us the way to your Son!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Jn 11:19-27)

Jesus said to [Martha], “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

On the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, the Gospel according to John relates the story of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. It also conveys the depth of his friendship with these three siblings. In other Gospel accounts, Martha is busy in the kitchen while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, listening to him. But in this passage, Martha approaches Jesus, expressing her faith in him: Martha goes out to meet Jesus after Lazarus’s death. She expresses her faith in Jesus by saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” She goes on to express even greater faith in Jesus as he asks if she believes he is the resurrection and the life. “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

God, through his death and resurrection, your Son offers me and all who believe in him the promise of eternal life. Help me today strengthen my faith in you by imitating Martha in going out to meet Jesus, who alone is the resurrection and the life. Just as Mary, Martha, and Lazarus welcomed Jesus into their home, let me learn from their example; grant me the grace of friendship with your Son, the one who is coming into the world to save us for eternal life. Jesus, I trust in you.

From the Gospel acclamation: “I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.” Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.