The feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary offers us an opportunity to reflect on the extreme range of emotions she encountered, particularly sorrow. The Blessed Mother had many experiences to ponder in her heart; may her intercession lead us to the Cross of her Son.
There is a sharp contrast between the Book of Genesis and the Gospel of Matthew. Whereas Adam and Eve experience the devastating consequences of sin, Mary embraces the words of the angel Gabriel and accepts God’s plan for salvation history. May her words inspire us to say “Yes!” to the Lord today.
On this feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, may we find strength in this powerful prayer as we follow the counsel of Christ to “ask, seek and knock” for the needs before us.
The sorrow of Mary as she stood faithfully before the Cross of Christ helps us to engage our grief. When we acknowledge our sorrows, we call upon the saving strength of Jesus to pass through our pain into healing joy.
This feast highlights the unique role that the Blessed Virgin Mary holds in the life of the Church. May we ask her for continued help and guidance as we draw near to her Son.
The angel Gabriel was sent by God to Mary, and the world was forever changed. May this solemnity help us to recognize God’s call for our lives as we offer each day for the Lord.
God makes possible miracles that astound our imagination in multiple ways in the readings we hear today. May we take to heart the angel Gabriel’s insight that “nothing will be impossible for God!”
Cappella del Crocefisso, painted by Scipione Pulzone, Chiesa Nuova, Rome.
The anguish of Mary at the foot of the Cross of Christ touches our human pain and loss in moments of suffering. Yet Mary’s faithfulness inspires us to endure these times of trial as we place our hope in her Son.
Three Great Things 