Friday, December 08, 2006

Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord December 8

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9

He destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will. Ephesians 1:5

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Piety

Here I am Lord. I come to do your will.

Study
http://www.usccb.org/nab/120806.shtml

God wants our relationship with him to be right…back the way it was in the beginning when He created us. He seeks us out daily, just as he sought out the sinful Adam in the Garden of Eden. No matter what we do, God wants to set this relationship back in order.

If Adam and Eve showed us what not to do, then Mary and Jesus show us the way back through their words and deeds.

The path starts with the right attitude. Despite her fears, Mary puts herself at God’s command and service. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Once we have the right frame of mind, then we need to open our hearts so God has a place to dwell. We are reminded in the letter to the people of Ephesus, that “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.

Our adoption into this way of life takes place at the foot of the cross. “Behold your Mother.”

Then the next step is up to us…

Action

Day 6: Dec. 8 - 6. Touch other cultures, especially the poor, either locally or on a cross-cultural experience. (From http://www.simpleliving.org/)

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