20 Dec
Tue
4th Week of Advent
Is. 7:10-14
Ps. 23:1-2,3-4,5-6
Lk. 1:26-38
(Ps Wk IV)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
 

Non-Catholics not infrequently accuse us Catholics of too much devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus and even, at times, feel that such devotion is quite unscriptural. The truth, however, is otherwise. Our devotion to Mary is most essentially manifested in the way we pray to her. The simplest and most direct expression of our devotion is the prayer "Hail Mary", which in fact is almost totally taken verbally from the Gospel. Another prayer which reflects our devotion to Mary is the "Angelus", a daily reminder of the gift of the Incarnation and a reminder that Mary's greatness stems from her active and joyful participation, as the "handmaid of the Lord" in this mystery of our redemption. The Angelus is a prayer also firmly rooted in Scripture.

We cannot truly celebrate Christmas without recalling the Annunciation, and all that the Annunciation story teaches about Mary comes to a great climax when she stands at the foot of the cross and receives the further mission of becoming the Mother of the Beloved Disciple, the Mother of the Church.



Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us that, like You, we may respond joyfully and gratefully to God's call.

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 all peoples may grow in harmony and peace through mutual understanding and respect.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2011. All rights reserved.