MARY, ACCEPTED JESUS IN HER HEART
The Word of God: The Annunciation (Lk 1: 26-38)
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "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, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God, nothing will be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
MEDITATION
The Gospels begin by presenting Mary as a woman who embraces God's plan. In an attitude of prayer, she listens, meditates, consents and answers "yes" to God who calls her. In a word, she is welcoming. It is this welcoming that gives birth to Life in her. "And the Word was made flesh."
NOVENA
God, thank you for the Blessed Mother. You are so kind to share her with us as a mother! Her apparitions throughout the centuries have brought much peace to so many people. And so many people have become closer to You because of her! Our Lady of Mount Carmel, when you appeared to St. Simon Stock in the 1200s, you presented him with the scapular. You promised to be with all wearers of the scapular, especially at their deaths. You also promised to rescue all of those who wear it from a lengthy purgatory. Please watch over all those who wear the scapular. Intercede on their behalf to your Son. Reward them for their faithfulness in this practice by listening to their petitions. Inspire them to keep the promises they devote themselves to through this practice. If you are calling me to consider wearing the scapular myself, please also make that known to me through this novena. I also bring to you my personal intentions: (State your intentions here)
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!
Amen!!
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