It’s Advent again, the time of year when we look forward to the celebration of Christmas and the promise of Love in the person of Emmanuel, God–with–us.
As we prepare in “joyful hope” for the coming of Christ among us, we cannot journey through these weeks without the company of Mary, the woman of faith.
In her company, Mary will be our guide. She knows all about interiority for she received the Word of God into her womb. She gave her blood, her nourishment, her flesh, so that the Eternal Word might be Life for all people. Mary will teach us how to contemplate and live the mystery of Jesus’ presence and action in our lives. She will teach us how to receive and welcome Jesus.
Pope Francis addresses Mary in the following prayer:
“Mary, woman of listening, open our ears; grant us to know how to listen to the word of your Son Jesus among the thousands of words of this world; grant that we may listen to the reality in which we live, to every person we encounter, especially those who are poor, in need, in hardship.
Mary, woman of decision, illuminate our mind and heart, so that we may obey, unhesitating, the word of your Son Jesus; give us the courage to decide, not to let ourselves be dragged along, letting others direct our life.
Mary, woman of action, obtain that our hands and feet move “with haste” towards others, to bring them the charity and love of your Son Jesus, to bring the light of the Gospel to the world, as you did. Amen.” (St. Peter’s Square, 31 May 2013)
Image: Our Lady of the Missions L’ École, St Pierre – Notre Dame Des Missions, Charenton, France.
Sister Catherine Corrigan, rndm