Tag Archives: Blessed Virgin Mary

Study, Pray, Serve: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

Photo by Ange Sista on Pexels.com

Here are some of the themes for the readings for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

1st Reading – Number 6:22-27

  • The Lord directs Moses to speak to Aaron and his sons about how they are to bless the Israelites.
  • This “Blessing of Aaron” is still used by the Church today!

Psalm – 67:2-3,5-8

  • “May God bless us in his mercy.”
  • We praise God and ask that the Lord have pity on us and bless us.

2nd Reading – Galatians 4:4-7

  • In the fullness of time God sent his son, born of a woman, to ransom us so that we might have adoption.
  • We call upon the Lord as “Abba, Father!” and are heirs of God.

Gospel – Luke 2:16-21

  • This reading is also proclaimed at the Mass at Dawn on Christmas Day.
  • Mary is at the center of the passage, reflecting in her heart what God has done.

Mass Readings – Mary, the Mother of God

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!


Daily Mass: We proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Mary’s Magnificat becomes a model for our prayer and praise to God. May these words inspire us to keep our focus upon the Lord as we draw strength from the one who saves us.

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 4th Week of Advent

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives


The Immaculate Heart of Mary

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.

Mass Readings – Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!


The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by JINU JOSEPH on Pexels.com

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.

Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Mary…pray for us!


Daily Mass: Our Lady of the Rosary. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

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.

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 27th Week of the Year

***************

Our Lady of the Rosary…pray for us!


Our Lady of Sorrows. Catholic Inspiration

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.

Mass Readings – Our Lady of Sorrows

***************

Our Lady of Sorrows…pray for us!


Study, Pray, Serve: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Here are some of the themes from the readings on this feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

1st Reading – Revelation 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab

  • The Church interprets the woman in this passage as Mary.
  • The dragon is the enemy who attempts to destroy the woman and child.
  • The voice of heaven proclaims God’s authority and kingdom have come through the son, born of the woman, who will rule all nations.

Psalm – 45:10-12,16

  • “The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.”
  • This psalm, when applied to Mary, reveals her majesty among all created things as queen.

2nd Reading – 1st Corinthians 15:20-27

  • The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ overturns the first sin of Adam.
  • Christ will reign over all things, finally destroying death forever.

Gospel – Luke 1:39-56

  • The first part of the passage describes the interaction between Mary and Elizabeth as their babies (from within the womb) leap for joy.
  • The second part of the passage offers Mary’s great Magnificat of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Mass Readings – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Mass during the day)

***************

Our Lady, Queen of Heaven…pray for us!


Mary, the Mother of the Church. Catholic Inspiration

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.

Mass Readings – Memorial of the BVM, Mother of the Church

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives


Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration

My photo from the Lateran Basilica in Rome.

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.

Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives


4th Sunday of Advent: Mary’s response to the Angel Gabriel. Catholic Inspiration

The exchange between Mary and the Angel Gabriel inspires us to respond to God with a full and open heart. May it be done! Fiat!

Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent


%d bloggers like this: