Friday, December 8th
The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary said to the angel,
"Let what you have said be done to me". And the angel left her
Luke 1:38

The life that is in each and every child of the Father is given by the Father. And with the life is bestowed such love that growth and progress and maturity is made possible during the life-span of each, be that short or long. And as each is so endowed, so is he challenged to respond in loving obedience as he is led, sustained and supported in life's way. Ups and downs there are bound to be, failures, questionings and frequent slowness in response: these can be the means of growth and development if the hand is raised for a return to The Way when the heart has sought forgiveness where such is needed.

One there is who was chosen before time was to bear the Father's love human - wise into the world of men. All the Father's children are chosen to be and to do according to His loving purpose: Mary was different only in the tremendous and glorious task laid upon her and in the measure of loving response and obedience which she displayed and suffered. And now she witnesses, in the presence of the Father and the company of the faithful made perfect in and through My saving love., to the Father's loving purpose for all, throughout time and eternity and to the glorious fulfilment offered to all who are faithful in love and obedience.

But let it be seen and known and understood that the response to the Father's call must be total, a life-long obedience and self-giving. And it is costly, often painful and completely demanding. Look to the Mother of the Incarnate Word and follow her example: ask her for her prayers and learn from her the demands and the rewards of faithfulness.