Thursday, December 8th
Scripture
Gen. 3: 9-15, 20
Ps. 98: 1-4
Eph. 1:3-6, 11-12
Lk. 1:26-38
Reflection
“Here am I, let it be with me according to your word.”
Luke 1: 26-38
As we listen to the story of the Annunciation, we once again celebrate Mary’s generous and courageous “Yes” to this startling and disruptive call from God. She chooses openness to God’s invitation, no matter the consequences for her life.
What does it look like for each of us to show the same radical openness of heart as Mary? This question is perhaps answered in Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis’ encyclical on social friendship and dialogue, in which he urges us to have a “heart open to the whole world.”
Pope Francis writes that “the guarantee of an authentic openness to God… is a way of practicing the faith that helps open our hearts to our brothers and sisters.” (74)
On this Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we can ask Mary to inspire us to say “yes” to God and have hearts open to our global neighbors, so that we may love them without distinction.
Prayer
Loving God, open our hearts to encounter.
Inspire us, through the example of Mary,
to have the courage to say “yes” to your call,
trusting that nothing is impossible to you. Amen.
Personal Challenge
Take some time to find out more about the inspiring and powerful message of Fratelli Tutti and reflect on what Pope Francis is inviting us to do, so that we may open our hearts to one another.
Sister Ileana Fernandez, CSJ
Wheeling, WV
