Full of Grace

In today's Gospel you may hear one of two optional readings. One may be the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary the birth of Jesus, or it could also be the visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. Both readings carry a significant amount of weight on one key point, and that is; Mary is a very special woman. Since her conception, which we know to be as the Immaculate Conception, she has created an impact on the world we still do not completely fathom. Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadeloupe, and it is just one of the abundance of miraculous stories with God at the center and Mary always pointing toward his glory. We hear from the angel, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28), and once again from Elizabeth, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk 1:42). In the first few moments of seeing Mary in the Gospels we see that she has found favor with God and is incredibly important, yet she does nothing but point toward the glory of God, "my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior." (Lk 1:46-47). Maximilian Kolbe said it best in saying, "You can never love her more than Jesus did". Our devotion to Mary should not be one that is shadowed or made light, it is one we should proclaim and be living for, it is a devotion that will carry us toward God faster than we could ever do alone. A devotion to Mary, is a pure and holy sign of our love for her son Jesus Christ.

Reflection: What is my relationship with Mary like?

Lord God, thank you for today and everyday. Thank you for your love and mercy. Oh Blessed Mother, shine the light of your son upon us, please allow our hearts to be opened to the will of God, intercede for us now and at the our of our deaths. We pray, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.

Resource:  http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121218.cfm