Prayers Advent Reflections

Tuesday

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8    
Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception reminds us that, from the very beginning, God's grace was at work. Mary, free from sin and fully open to God's will, becomes the bearer of Christ and witness to the peace that comes from trusting God. During Advent, as we await the Prince of Peace, Mary's example invites us to be attentive to that grace at work in our own lives, especially in moments of uncertainty.

I have long felt a connection with Mary under the title of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. As a young person, I often prayed at the altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. While I no longer remember my specific intentions, I remember finding comfort and peace there.

Decades later, during a time when I was deeply concerned about a health issue, I was organizing my basement and came across a framed icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The sight of it immediately brought back those mornings with Our Lady, and with them a deep sense of peace. The health concern ultimately proved to be nothing serious, but the experience reminded me that peace is found not in certainty, but in trusting that God is with us through whatever lies ahead.

Jenn Lyke
Director, Communications & Marketing
Catholic Health Association

 

Pause

How can you follow Mary's example of trust in spite of uncertainty?

Pray

God of the Universe, Creator of Light and Dark: You have formed us together as one body to proclaim Your peace. Draw us beyond our own narrowness to recognize Christ within ourselves and one another. Help us to choose unity – humility over pride and patience over anger. Make in us Your dwelling place, O God, that we may be worthy builders of Your Kingdom and true instruments of Your grace. Amen.