Each year, on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Church has us focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church does this not merely because Mary has an obviously unforgettable role in the birth and life of Jesus. The CERC (Catholic Education Resource Center) reminds us
“the real reason that the Church proposes Mary to us as Christmas nears is because she is the model of how we should be living our advent. Mary is, in some sense, Advent personified. God the Father had prepared her from the first moment of her life to be a worthy mother of his Son. Like a faithful daughter of Israel, she had prayed throughout her youth for the coming of the Messiah. When she was a young girl, she discovered that she was part of God’s answer to that prayer, but in a way that would far have exceeded any Hebrew maiden’s prayers: not only would the Messiah be her son, but her son would also be God. Her “yes!” to the Archangel Gabriel launched the proximate preparation for the birth of Jesus the Messiah. Each year, on this fourth Sunday of Advent, we explicitly follow the footsteps Mary traced on that first Advent. In doing so, we’re doing more than traversing the physiological and historical events that preceded the birth of the Lord. We’re entering into Mary’s response of faith that are a guide for us along our own pilgrimage of faith.”
But I personally wonder…Did she know? Did she really know what ALL THAT meant? Did she know the love He would teach? Did she really know the miracles He would perform? Did she know the challenges He would face, the enemies He would make? The mocking, spitting, scourging, and crucifixion He would offer for our Salvation? Mary, did you know?
In my own Yes to bringing forth “life”…Did I know? Did I know what ALL THAT meant? Did I know the love they would teach? Did I really know the gifts they would bring? Did I know the challenges they would face, the enemies they would make? The mocking, spitting, scourging, and crucifixion from a sometimes cruel world, all for trust in a God who can Save? Woman, did you know?
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.
And so with the Lord, let us climb within Mary’s womb and listen to the beat of her contemplative heart that was treasuring within this greatest of all mysteries, so that our Christmas may be as fruitful as that first Christmas.
these hugs n’ holy blessings are my Advent gift to you!
For five days we immersed ourselves in all things “Papa” and “Faith.”
But now life is glossed-over. A clear-film of joy covers over each day.
And I feel this is a very good thing!
I am enjoying this somewhat detached manner of living from the chaos the world often has to offer. The problems in my life are still present, yet somehow they are no longer problems; but rather simply…difficulties. And those are much more manageable, don’t you think?
This transition from problem to difficulty came through my visit to the Mary, Undoer of Knots Grotto established for Pope Francis’ participation in The World Meeting of Families. (Be sure to see the Pope’s visit to this lovely Groto on his final travels through the streets of Philadelphia on their web-site!)
A wonderful tribute, not only to this beautiful devotion to the Blessed Mother, Mary who was the undoer of the sin of Eve;
“Eve, by her disobedience, tied the knot of disgrace for the human race; whereas Mary, by her obedience, undid it.”
but also to bring awareness to hunger & homelessness in America.
But what are these knots? They are the problems and struggles we face for which we do not see any solution. Throughout time and across all cultures, a knot has been used to symbolize tension and struggle. The undoing of a knot symbolizes freedom from these burdens – a release of pressure. In the tradition of Mary, Undoer of Knots, Pope Francis’ favorite artwork, visitors of the grotto were able to add or remove knots, symbolizing their personal struggles and sharing the burdens of others.
And I know from the power of prayer & personal experience, many pilgrims returned home with knot as many problems…anymore.
Leaving prayer intentions to be placed into the hands of Mary.Pope Francis does have a special devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots. While studying in Germany in the 1980s, he discovered this devotion at the Church of St. Peter am Perlach in Augsburg.My own Mary, Undoer of Knots which hangs in my sewing-corner.
“Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exists in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of His children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the Evil One himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands, there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with your Son and my liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot. (Mention your petition here.)
I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, O safe refuge.”
hugs n’ blessings to all who trust their knots to be undone.
hugsnblessings 