HER OFFSPRING

PRAYER MOMENT

Tuesday 8 December 2015. The Immaculate Conception of Mary

HER OFFSPRING

Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “I will make you enemies of each other; you and woman, your offspring and her offspring.” (Genesis 3:9-15)

Reflection. We have two major feasts of Mary; one celebrating an event before she was born and another after she died. Why is this? Perhaps it is to emphasise how Mary is both one of us and also one who is a sign of transcendence. She is in history and yet she points beyond history. She is blessed not only among women but among all people for she is the mother who keeps the home and welcomes all her children into the house prepared by God. If there was a feast celebrating her during her life on earth it would have to combine her acceptance of her calling – “your will be done” - and her standing silently by the cross. But in both these events she withdraws and gives way to her Son. We honour her as the one who always leads us to Jesus. That is her whole desire - that we may know him.

Prayer. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Amen.