May the Nations be glad and exalt… Psalm 67:5

Tomorrow and until December 23, we join with Christians in praying the O Antiphons, traditional praises of the attributes of Jesus, beginning with ‘O Wisdom.’

How easy it is to think and praise God when things go well. But, if we truly walk by faith, we praise God who is always wisely good, with our best interest at heart. We may feel that God does not notice our troubles, but feelings pass like the brief snow showers or rain clouds, yet faith remains. And we are left with the strong, yet tender and wise, care of our Saving God.  When we truly believe that Jesus is our Emmanuel, God-with-us, we can render praise, and be glad and exalt in all life’s situations.

May we find a  few quiet moments to hush in the rush of Christmas preparations to, once again, offer true praise to God for the divine plan for our lives – and to humbly hand over our acceptance to the Holy Family at the crib.” Sr. Bridget Haase, O.S.U

In the prayer service that I did today, I used the scripture reading “I have called you by name you are mine.”

I shared with the group about an experience I had on retreat many years ago. The retreat Director used the passage “I have called you by name you are mine,” but he called me Diane. Lol … I guess I learned then not to take life too seriously.

Today I was overwhelmed by all the wonderful birthday greetings that I received. I am so grateful to God that I have so many wonderful people in my life. Thank you, God!

The sisters of Mercy were founded by Catherine McAuley in 1831. This is a prayer written by Catherine McAuley.

My God, I am yours for time and eternity. Teach me to cast myself entirely into the arms of your loving Providence with the most lively, unlimited confidence in your compassionate, tender pity. Grant me, O most merciful, Redeemer that whatever you ordain, or permit may be acceptable to me. Take from my heart all painful anxiety; suffer nothing too sadden me but sin, nothing to delight me, but the hope of coming to the possession of you, my God, and my all, in your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

“Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you wisdom, to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you.” St. Thomas Aquinas

“Today’s feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is often mistakenly thought to refer to the way Mary conceived Jesus in her womb.

’Immaculate Conception’ actually means Mary received immediately from God what people receive at baptism. From her conception, she was free from sin – immaculate. 

A feast of the Conception of Mary was celebrated in both the Eastern and Western churches for many centuries. After Pope Pius IX  solemnly defined the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 1854, this feast was officially designated as the ‘Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the date for its celebration was fixed as December 8.”

Hail, Mary, full of grace.