As we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, we acknowledge that she is also our Mother. Given to us by Christ, we claim this relationship every time we affirm our faith in her Son.
Mass Readings – Mary, the Mother of God
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Note: I took this picture of the icon of Mary and Jesus in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem during my pilgrimage to the Holy Land last month.
She is the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church. May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary strengthen our desire to offer our hearts in loving service to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – Mary, the Mother of God
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On this feast day it is good to reflect on the history of Mary’s apparition to Juan Diego in 1531. Through the miracles that followed Mary’s presence transformed a people, offering us a clear reminder that God continues to work through his angels and saints.
Mass Readings – The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
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Throughout her life Mary had moments of profound sorrow: the death of the Holy Innocents; the flight into Egypt; relocation to Nazareth; the rejection and betrayal of her Son; his horrific death on the Cross. Yet Mary’s faith in God inspires us to recognize that in these painful moments God is near, offering us the strength we need to carry on.
Mass Readings – Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
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On this feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne – the parents of Mary – we recognize that God often works through people to carry out the plan of salvation. That means that God works through us! May we today say YES to whatever the Lord sets before us as we do our part to be human agents for God’s grace.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 16th Week of the Year (Joachim & Anne)
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In the exchange between Mary and Elizabeth the two women give praise and thanks to God for the blessings they have witnessed. May we take their example to heart and do the same in our lives each and every day.
Mass Readings – The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Photo Credit: The Nativity Story, 2006.
Since from the beginning of time the plan of salvation included the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, we thus understand that Mary’s role as the Mother of God was present as well. Chosen by God, her acceptance of the angel Gabriel’s announcement reveals her as the first disciple; her role as Mother of the Messiah reveals her as a Mother to all disciples. May her example inspire us to draw near to her Son!
Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
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