Blessed Above All Women

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

 

~~~ Revelation 12:1-6a, 10a,b ~~~ Psalm: Judith 13-18 ~~~ Luke 1:26-38 ~~~

 

The completion of Mary's conception with Jesus brought together

the power of God and the salvation of all of mankind.

If for some reason Mary would have been too frightened to hear

all that the angel said to her salvation history might

look very different.

 

I do believe that God would have found another way to accomplish

his salvation plan, just maybe not in the same manner.

 

Over time Mary is so loved that she has appeared in many different

types of clothing. Who would have thought Mary to be such a typical woman.

I am smiling as I write this because Mary truly was a typical woman.

All kidding aside...

She was a typical woman chosen and blessed by God.

 

He chooses each of us to carry on the work he started here on earth.

He has chosen us to carry on the work that Mary so courageously

continued after he was crucified.

 

We do not have any writings that I know of of Mary going out and teaching.

But we could certainly expect that she told his stories

of love, care, compassion, and healing to anyone who would listen.

 

 

Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God,
above all the women on earth;
and blessed be the LORD God,
the creator of heaven and earth.

 

It is so fitting that during the Advent season we would be blessed with

two occasions to honor Mary just a few days apart.

 

Mary is a key figure in our salvation.

She was a willing participant in the loss of her son

so that we could be saved...

so that we could enter into eternal life with Jesus and herself.

 

The Holy Spirit was at work making things perfect in the heart

of Mary at the Annunciation.

And I know from experience when the Holy Spirit wants you

 to do something it eventually comes to be realized.

 

Not only was Mary overshadowed by the Holy Spirit,

but her cousin Elizabeth was also filled with

that same spirit.

It does not matter if you are young or old

the Holy Spirit

finds a way for you to be useful.

When the Holy Spirit pours on the grace

like gravy on mashed potatoes

it is hard to refuse his or her request.

(I added 'her' just to see if you were paying attention)

 

Mary is a model person for all of us, men and women alike.

 

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior."

 

She never let her 'special' motherhood

go to her head.

She remained convicted by what God had done in her.

She was the vessel now; the new ark of the covenant.

 

Surely Mary had many opportunities to embrace the child Jesus

during his formative years.

Today she is opening her arms to receive all who come to her.

No other human being was ever as physically close to Jesus as Mary.

She loves us first and foremost because Jesus loves us.