Blessed Among Women

 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Patronal Feast day of the United States of America

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

We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing,
Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians,
but his message is also to us.
God chose us and he destined us...

In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
If we all have been chosen, imagine how wonderful it was for Mary
 to be chosen to be the Mother of Jesus.
When the angel appeared before her she was startled and humbly filled with joy.
How amazing was the day when Mary was gifted with the child Jesus in her womb.
The greatest love to ever become a living person
was carried by this young innocent daughter of God, Mary.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

 

 

 “Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus...

As we come closer to the celebration of the birth
of our salvation it is fitting that we set aside this day
dedicated to the Blessed Mother, Mary.

God found her worthy to be the mother of Jesus.
God destined her to bring forth the Savior of the World.
She gave him nourishment with her very body.
He was born of her flesh and blood.
 

Mary is the most beautiful example of surrendering to God's will.
May she cover the United States of America with her loving grace.
Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us now and at the hour of our death.