Forgive us our sins

Photo by Isaiah Rustad on Unsplash

Ever notice how many of the Rosary prayers are plural, rather than singular?

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name….

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

I have to confess that I’ve always thought of this as me talking about myself, along with others who are also talking about themselves. But there may be a different way.

Continue reading “Forgive us our sins”

Mary visited Elizabeth

Photo by Esther Wechsler on Unsplash

This feast of the Visitation always makes powerful connections for me.

It’s one thing for God to ask Mary to be the mother of our Lord. That’s miraculous, of course, but we’ve heard the story so many times that we become a bit immune to the wonder of it.

But here we have Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, recognizing this wonder in a very real sense.

In a loud voice [Elizabeth] exclaimed, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”

Luke 1:42
Continue reading “Mary visited Elizabeth”

Presentation of Mary

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

We celebrate the presentation of Jesus as a newborn in January, but here we have the wonderful opportunity to reflect on His mother’s birth.

November 21st is the celebration of when Anne and Joachim’s presentation of their newborn daughter Mary to the Lord. She was created as the future Temple of the Lord.

What happened at this point? Well, we have no documentation – we barely know her parents’ names.

Continue reading “Presentation of Mary”

Journey

Photo by Josh Bean on Unsplash

It’s so discouraging to realize how inclined we are to sin and depravity. I guess this is the universal battle of what it means to be human.

Why did God set it up this way?

I’m starting to recognize that it’s about using my life to learn, to discover, to overcome, and to become the potential God has put within me.

Continue reading “Journey”

Annunciation of God’s presence

Photo by Josh Bean on Unsplash

Right in the middle of Lent, we’re given this wonderful gift today!

Nine months before Christmas, the Church celebrates the Annunciation: the day when God sent the Angel Gabriel to Mary:

Coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“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.”

Luke 1:28-31
Continue reading “Annunciation of God’s presence”