The Psalm response echoes the grace revealed in the Gospel of Luke. When we count our blessings we open our hearts in faith to the healing power of Jesus Christ.
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.
The Cross of Christ reveals justice, humility and love as Christ triumphs over sin and death for the salvation of the world. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you! For by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Unlike the Beatitudes in Matthew’s Gospel, Luke’s version offers “blessings and woes” that reveal a stark truth about what we rely on in this life: if it’s not rooted in God, it’s not for our good.
As the Church celebrates the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we recognize that all of us – in great and small ways – have a part to play in salvation history. Following Mary’s example, will we say yes to the Lord today?