The Active Waiter

mary, blessed mother

This December, a series of daily Advent, devotional postings is running from December 1st to December 25th. Journey beside Mary, the Mother of God, as she waits for the birth of Jesus.

STRENGTH

Scripture: “All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers” (Acts 1:14).

Quote of the Day: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Our Lady of Lourdes

Song Suggestions:
“Show Me How to Love,” by Sidewalk Prophets
“If We Are the Body” (Acoustic), by Casting Crowns

Questions: What is your image of Mary? Do you think she is passive or active?

MIND

We are going to zoom out of Nazareth for the day and go back to the “heavenly” viewpoint of Day 1. Since in the heavenly view, we are outside of time and space, things might be a bit odd. That also means it might be a bit cool. And instead of looking specifically at the Trinity, we will specifically look at Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Mary is a busy woman. From the moment of her Immaculate Conception in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, to her conception of Jesus, to Jesus’ birth, death, ascension, and Mary’s own assumption into heaven, and all the way till our present age, Mary has been at hard work.

As the top intercessor of the Church, she is continuously praying for the conversion of sinners, giving graces to those who ask of them, making saints, going wherever her Son asks her to go, comforting the needy, being Mother to the parent-less, accompanying and healing, listening to the people, and adoring the Lord Jesus.

For example, in the 1800s, Mary is sent by God the Father to the village of Lourdes, France. Mary appears to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous.

Bernadette sees the apparition of Our Lady and describes it:

A golden cloud came out of the cave and flooded the niche with radiance. Then a lady, young and beautiful, exceedingly beautiful, the like of whom I had never seen, stood on the edge of the niche. She smiled and smiled at me, beckoning me to come closer as though she were my mother, and she gave me to understand in my soul that I was not mistaken.

The Lady was dressed in white, with a white veil on her head, and a blue sash at her waist. A Rosary of white beads on a golden chain was on her right arm. On that cold winter’s day, her feet were bare, but on each foot was a golden rose radiant with the warmth of summer. (Excerpt from the Webpage, “St. Bernadette.” EWTN www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/BERNLIFE.HTMEWTN.)

After many more apparitions to little Bernadette, God wills it time for Mary to reveal her identity to the young girl. “I am the Immaculate Conception,” she tells Bernadette. This means that Mary was immaculately conceived (without sin) in the womb of her mother, St. Anne.

Today, Lourdes, France is a holy pilgrimage site, place of miraculous healings, site of answered prayers, place of conversions to Christ, a spot for the afflicted to be comforted, a center for the spiritual renewal of the Church, and a means for others to understand with more clarity the mysteries of God.

Mary is at Lourdes, France right now, still doing all sorts of motherly, queenly, and heavenly tasks that give glory to her Son.

HEART

Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception! We get to celebrate Mary’s freedom from original sin so that she can carry the Son of God. For this feast day, we get to contemplate Mary’s role in the first century, the 1800s, and today!

Mary is our example of patience and waiting. But is she sitting around all day, just staring at her Son and nothing else? Does she sit back and watch God do everything? Does she watch us from a distance?

Waiting is anything but being passive. Mary teaches us that we must act as we wait. Think of it! A mother does not sit back as her child does all of the work. While a mother waits for her child to be born, she often takes pregnancy classes, buys materials and goods, and makes a room ready for the child. She also calls upon the help of others—that of her husband, relatives, doctors, and friends.

In the same way, while Mary waits for the Second Coming of her Son, she is appearing to her children, pointing to Jesus, and praying unceasingly. The Father has given her a very active role in salvation.

You too, though you wait, are called to action. Don’t think you have to drop everything and go to Lourdes, or become a missionary overseas, or start a new organization or religious order. Each smile you give, each time your heart turns to the Lord, and each time you resist temptation, you are acting. And if you think that praying is passive, think again. Do not underestimate the role you have in the salvation of souls by your prayer. Do not underestimate the multitudes of souls who are praying for you as you journey through life. Do not forget the busy role of Mary in your life as you wait. Join her. Prepare yourself and prepare the world around you for the coming of Jesus.

SOUL

Come, Holy Spirit, the way you come to your chosen vessel, Mary of Nazareth. Spirit, make me pure and holy for Jesus.

Mary, I unite myself to you on your feast day today, the Immaculate Conception. Let me join you as you wait but let me also join you as you work. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you!

Mary, teach me how to wait.

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3 thoughts on “The Active Waiter”

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