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The tradition that Mary was born without any trace of sin finds its origins in today's Gospel, where Mary is greeted by the angel with the words, "Rejoice, so highly favoured!" In the older translations this was rendered; "Hail, full of grace!" 'Grace' is the love of God poured out and experienced in some way. Here it is in Mary being invited to be the Mother of the Messiah. He would be, in fact, the Son of God and Mary would become His Mother through the power of God's Spirit. But, in a way, it is not what God did for Mary that we most celebrate today but rather her response to the invitation that God extended to her. She might have refused the invitation and, as it was, she wondered how it could happen as she was not married. But she did not refuse. On the contrary she said, "I am the handmaid (slave girl) of the Lord; let what you have said be done to me." And this 'Yes' she never revoked, not even when the sword of sorrow pierced her heart at the foot of the Cross. She is in total contrast to Eve, who succumbed to the entricements of the serpent and disobeyed God's command. Mary, with her 'Yes' reversed this tragic choice and opened the way for us to be saved and redeemed. Father, trace in our actions the lines of Mary's love, and in our hearts her trust in You. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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That the celebration of the Jubilee may become the source of a new commitment in men and women of good will to protect and promote human life.
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In the threshold of the year 2001, it is our duty to renew our commitment to safeguarding the dignity of the poor and marginalised and to recognise in a practical way the rights of those who have no rights. This is the spirit of the new millennium which presupposes the following: The basic right to life which is inviolable which involves a positive choice for life. The development of a culture of this kind embraces all the circumstances of life and ensures the promotion of human dignity in every situation. Recent developments in the field of genetic engineering present a profoundly disquieting challenge. In order that scientific research in this area may be at the service of the person, it must be accompanied at every stage by careful ethical reflection, which will bring about adequate legal norms safeguarding the integrity of human life. Life can never be downgraded to the level of a thing. To choose life involves rejecting every form of violence. In every circumstance, the right to life must be promoted and safeguarded with appropriate legal and political guarantees. Let us raise our voices on their behalf. | |
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