20 Dec
Fri
3rd Week of Advent
(Psalter Wk III)
Is. 7:10-14
Ps. 23:1-2,3-4ab,5-6
Lk. 1:26-38
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The simplicity of today's Gospel is deceiving. Yet, at the moment that Mary said those words, "I am the slave girl of the Lord, let what you have said be done to me", she immediately became the mother of the Son of God. With that 'Yes', the divine life began to develop within her spotless womb. For us Christians, it is the key moment in history, when God came to live among us as one of us so that, through the humanity of Jesus, we might be shown the way to God, the goal of all our existence.

We can also express our thanks to Mary for her acceptance of this extraordinary invitation and request. Theoretically, she could have said No. As it was, she was deeply puzzled at what it really meant and it would only be over the course of the following years she would realise both the joys and sorrows it would bring. In the end, of course, with the resurrection of her Son, there was nothing but joy and perfect union. He was both her Son and her Lord. Her 'Yes' remained loyal to Him to the very end. May we say Yes to what God calls us so that one day we, too, may be united with both of them.



Hail, Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with you.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That children may be protected and defended against every form of violence by means of the care taken by their families and of adequate social policies, all over the world.
Elaboration

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