21 Dec
Sun
4th Sunday of Advent
2 Sam. 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16
Ps. 89(88):2-3, 4-5,27,29
Rom. 16:25-27
Lk. 1:26-38
(Ps Wk IV)
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As yesterday, today we are invited once again to recall and meditate on the Annunciation to Mary. We Catholics are often accused of honouring Mary too much and those who do not share the fullness of our faith even erroneously, of course, accuse us of worshipping her.

The simple fact of reading the Gospel of the Annunciation on two consecutive days in Advent, as well as on other feast days throughout the year is a reminder that if we truly appreciate the gift of God's son as our redeemer, we can never meditate too frequently on Mary's generous and courageous love and freedom of Mary in accepting God's invitation to be the mother of Jesus.

We, of course, live in the time after Jesus' resurrection and so we are enlightened by our Easter faith in the fullness of redemption which Jesus won for us by his death and resurrection. This enlightenment may often somewhat affect our appreciation of the tremendous courage which the Annunciation and God's calling required of Mary. If only we were as generous and courageous in answering Jesus' call to be his disciples and apostles!




Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us that we, too with God's grace, may be generous and courageous in following Jesus our Lord and Saviour.




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 the birth of the Redeemer may bring peace and hope to all people of good will.
Elaboration

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