The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

The Gospel according to Luke 1:26-38..

Lectio: What does the text say?

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. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.

The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

After this text, what are the words, phrases, or actions that draw your attention, your interest?

Meditio: What does God say to me in the text?

This text full of humility, greatness in smallness, the most intimate relationship between God and man, humanity, love, and mercy. Do I understand that I block the Lord from working, acting in me? Just as Mary is, do I feel favored by God because of the small or large things that he gives me, whatever they may be? Do I search for the Holy Spirit and ask him to descend upon me, cover me, and help me to be a good servant of God? Am I thankful to God for the gifts, the blessings, and the love that he gives me? Do I feel God close to me? Do I understand that he knows my smallness, my weaknesses and still looks upon me like he looked upon Mary?

After the message of this text, what is your meditation, your personal reflection?

Oratio: What do I say to God?

Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with all the goodness that you give us. Strengthen me in all my fears, unbelief, and stubbornness because I want to be a humble servant, to let you work, act in me. I want to give thanks because you notice me, because you bless me and I know that, the same as Mary and Joseph, you have a plan for me. I want to be your instrument. Guide me, remain in me, and help be to be attentive to your call.