Ave Maria

   In December each year we celebrate two powerful feast days of Our Blessed Mother Mary. On December 8th, we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then on December 12th we celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe. I am so blessed that the Church honors Jesus’ mother. She is not only Jesus’ mother but from the Cross Jesus gave us His Mother.

   “When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple there whom he loved, He said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” John 19:26-27

   I am so grateful that Jesus gave us His Mother to assist us in our daily lives as we journey toward our Heavenly Home.

   Our Blessed Mother Mary shows me how to be humble, gentle and kind with my family and others. At times I fail and resort to old patterns of behavior such as judging, yelling and being critical of others. Mother Mary gently reaches out her hand and brings me to Our Merciful Savior in Confession.

   Our Blessed Mother shows me how to give Jesus all my resentments, anger, and unforgiveness.  Little by little my hardened heart becomes open to forgive. The hurt might still sting, but I am not bound by the chains of unforgiveness in my heart.

   Mary is a mother, who will always watch over her children no matter how far they have strayed away from Jesus. Her powerful intercession brings lost souls to her Son no matter how long it takes.  “Do whatever He tells you.” John 2:5. These words spoken by Mother Mary are for all of us to take into our hearts and act upon.  Like a good mother she never quits loving and encouraging Her children to come to Jesus.  

Let Us Pray:

Mother Mary, hold me close to your Immaculate Heart. Draw me ever so close to Jesus’ Most Sacred Heart.