Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
The First Joyful Mystery, whose Scripture passage we read in today's Gospel, is one of my favorites. I’ve received so much insight into the Incarnation and into my own life by meditating on it. One such insight that I’d like to share with other Catholic moms has to do with natural family planning (NFP).
Needing to avoid pregnancy for medical, financial, or other serious reasons can be a heavy cross. From long periods of abstinence to fear of ill health to the desire for a child, it can feel like a great burden. There have been times when praying the first Mystery filled me with fear and other times when it filled me with longing.
If you are in either of these positions, take courage and hope from Mary’s response. With her fiat (“may it be done to be according to your word”), she handed her life over to God. And while she did experience great suffering, she was never alone in it. And neither will we be.
Mary is a beautiful intercessor for mothers, whether we are trying to conceive another child or not. She can inspire and pray for all of us who struggle to trust God’s plan for our life. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of her Son, we can rejoice that He comes to comfort, mourn with, and strengthen each of us, just like He did with Mary.
Ponder:
What fear can you hand over to God today?
Pray:
Mary Our Mother, Immaculate Conception, please be a mother to me as I struggle to trust God with [name your intention here]. Please help strengthen my faith so that I, like you, may give Him my fiat.
Copyright 2024 Taryn DeLong
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