Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

On this Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blesses Virgin Mary, it is only right that we sing to the Lord a new song and proclaim the marvelous deeds God has done for us. These are words that echo those Mary spoke to Elizabeth in the Magnificat where she proclaims the greatness of the Lord, rejoices in the Savior, and recognizes the great things God has done for her. In a similar way, we are also called to follow in Mary’s footsteps by proclaiming God’s greatness, rejoicing in His saving grace, and giving thanks for all He has done for us. If we do these things and live our lives in accordance with the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church, then we shall be a part of God’s victory and share in His Triumph over sin and death.

Do we sing God’s praises? In what ways can we rejoice in God, our Savior? How can we express the depths of our thanksgiving for all God has done for us?

O Lord, we praise and thank you for all the marvelous deeds you have done for us.

Amen.

Fourth Tuesday of Advent

From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

God has not only done great things for Mary, but also for all of us. He has given us our lives and our free wills, gifts far greater than we can ever repay through any amount of good deeds. Even more, He has given us His Divine Mercy and offered to lift us out of our slavery to sin. He gave the gift of His Beloved Son's life to pay for our iniquities and cleanse us of our sins. And if we accept His Love, Mercy, and Grace, then we will be lifted up from our lowliness and brought into His Kingdom where He will fill us with good things and adopt us as His heirs.

Do we recognize the great things God has done for us? Do we not only fear disappointing God, but also hope He will lend us His Strength to overcome our weaknesses? Have we accepted the aid God has offered us and seek His protection in our times of need?

O Lord, you have done great things for us, give us the grace to love you as we should.

Amen.