December 8th-
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to honor Our Lady when asked to write a reflection for a House of Prayer not far from where I live.
Would I share my relationship with Our Lady?
Would I speak of today’s readings? Would I share a little of the history of the feast day?
I longed to speak of her in a way that honored my treasured friendship with her and pass on what I have come to know as her unwavering light and her extraordinary love.
What is it that Our Dearest Lady would like to tell you?
I pondered these things in my heart.
So on her blessed feast day what I pass on to you is this:
Mary loves you.
She loves each and every one of you in all your uniqueness and the way God made you.
She hopes for what is best for you and never leaves you alone.
She watches daily over you and whispers into your heart to guide you on your path.
Mary is the light that shines brighter than any morning star…she brings the light of love, joy and laughter to you and teaches you the openness and generosity of well extended hands.
Our beloved Lady is just a prayer away.
Say her name and she is there.
Think it, and she comes in haste to your side.
Ponder it and she fills your heart with unending love and gratitude for all that is, was and ever shall be.
Look into her eyes and she envelops yours.
Reach for her hands and she holds your own.
A heart that embodies all that love is penetrates and fills your entire being.
Mary holds you close- ALWAYS.
In 1830, Our Blessed Mother asked St. Catherine Labouréto have inscribed on a medal (our beloved Miraculous Medal) the words “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. ” Then in 1858 when St. Bernadette asked this mysterious lady of the grotto her name, she smiled, looked up to heaven and replied « I am the Immaculate Conception » a phrase Bernadette never heard before and a dogma that was disputed for many years. Mary, in the Grotto that day, confirmed it for the parish priest who doubted Bernadette’s visions as mere childish nonsense. She ran to tell him what Our Lady said and upon hearing those words he sobbed and thus became Bernadette’s biggest supporter. St. Bernadette was canonized on December 8th and is the poor, simple shepherd girl Our Lady chose to confirm to the world this Christian doctrine that we celebrate and honor today. Our Lady herself was the one who came to share it with us.
There is no doubt or question who this woman is: the all encompassing hope and dream that God has for you and I- the place where HE can send his son to dwell and live for all eternity. He calls us all to be the place of the Immaculada.
So reader harken and prepare the way of the Lord.
Rejoice O daughter Zion, your Savior is here!
The Word indeed is flesh and dwells among us. You will find him lying in a manger and you too will keep all these things and ponder them in your heart.
Go now, prepare ye the way of the Lord.
-Amen
Happiest and most Blessed Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception.
May Our Lady hold you close today and always.
In love and in mercy.
Joanne Carey
