Monday, December 8th

Scripture

Genesis 3: 9-15, 20
Psalm 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4
Ephesians 1: 3-6, 11-12
Luke 1: 26-38

Reflection

God chose us before the world began to be holy
and blameless and full of love.”
Ephesians 1:4

When visiting the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth in Israel, I would pray with the people of our group gathered in a circle with open hands. I would place an olive wood rosary across their hands
and say: Hail _,

Full of grace, the Lord is with you. Mary is a model of reception of God’s grace, and we are also called to bear the Christ into our world.

The Immaculate Conception is an honorary title attributed to Mary’s being born “without sin” and thus proclaiming her suitableness to give birth to the Christ. The history of this feast began in the 7th Century in the Eastern Church, honoring Mary’s conception in the womb of St. Ann. This devotion to Mary evolved until Pope Pius IX proclaimed it in 1854, and it is based in the tradition of the Church. It’s an “honorary title” attributed to Mary.

Although we are, all of us, capable of sin, we are also graced by God to bring Christ to birth in our lives, in our world. As we realize this truth, we certainly give honor to Mary, Mother of God.

Prayer

God of all creation, may we, like Mary, receive your call to
welcome the Christ into our hearts and, in turn, to bring Christ
into our world. This is our desire. May it be so.

Personal Challenge

Be attentive to the angels in our lives who speak to us of God’s
call and desire for us. And may we respond with open hearts and
minds, trusting the Holy Spirit to bring our Christ to birth.

Sister Sallie Latkovich, CSJ
Ft. Myers, FL