GOSPEL

You will conceive in your womb and bear a son.

From the Gospel according to Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And 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. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “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. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

The Gospel of the Lord

Holidays or Christmas?

Due to one woman (Eve), we lost the original innocence that allowed spouses to see each other, as the Creator sees us. Through another woman, the Immaculate Virgin Mary, who initiates this missionary project of Marital Love for Marriages, it becomes possible in Christ to recover, through the revelation of the Word and the action of the Holy Spirit, that way of seeing each other.

Mary, mediator of God’s mercy, “Mirror of justice and cause of our joy.” In you, He wanted to recreate everything anew and and set forth on the path of eternal forgiveness (“Gate of heaven”). Everything had to begin again in you (“Queen conceived without original sin”), and thus, you became the second Eve (“Mother of the Church”). Once again, a sinless woman willing to obey (“Virgin most faithfull”) to pave the way to the New Covenant (“Ark of the covenant”). In you, out of pure love, God pours out all grace (“Mother of divine grace”), even God Himself is given to us through you (“Mother of Christ”). Mother, you are such a great gift to all of us that we cannot help but thank God for you (“Virgin most renowned,” “Queen of the family,” “Queen of peace…”).

Applied to Married Life:

Victor: Happy holidays!

Martha: No,Victor, no. I want to celebrate Christmas, not just “holidays.” Because I was struggling in our marriage: I felt lonely, helpless, tired of everything, depressed. But then, I took hold of Mary’s hand by consecrating myself to her and placing everything in her hands. She led me to Jesus, and I regained enthusiasm; I no longer felt alone, gained renewed strength, received His grace, and was filled with hope. My Mother brought me to Jesus, and He transformed my life, completely turning things around— my perception of marriage became a divine calling, my self-control improved, I became more open to His will, my perspective towards you, my husband, shifted, and my life expectations expanded significantly… This is the Christmas I want to celebrate. God is born in my heart to make everything new. God is born in our marriage to bring us salvation. God is born in the world to redeem it.

Mother,

Intercessor of all graces, we give thanks to God for the gifts He has granted you to intercede for us. From here, we also wish you a joyful Christmas Eve. It wasn’t a very pleasant night for you, but then Christmas came. God never disappoints, and neither do you. Thank you, Mother!