Friday of the First Week of Advent

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Advent Prayer

Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to heart the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today's Readings

Reflection:
Imagine being approached by an Angel and being asked to be the Mother of the Son of God. It's hard to do isn't it! But when we live in a way of life pleasing to God then imagining this happening to us is not so impossible.

Mary who was conceived without the stain of sin was chosen to bear God's son to bring us to salvation and to fulfill God's Divine plan. We all are part of his plan too. Except we need to realize his will in our lives in order for us to live in his way. He gave us free will, just as Mary had a free will to choose whether or not she wanted to be a Mother to a Divine Son.

She said yes, and proceeded to let God do what he had to do to bring it about. It is a mystery to us how, but with eyes of faith we see how powerful God moves in her life as well as ours.

How about the many unexplained things that happen to us to bring to mind the mysterious way of God, how he answers our prayers, or how he manifests himself for our belief. Now it is a bit easier to understand how it is possible for an Angel to do God's will and bring a message to a woman of Grace and Purity.

For she truly was and is Holy in every way, and her love for us continues to burn brightly.