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MARY DID YOU KNOW
Mary did you know
that your baby boy would one day walk on water? …Mark Lowry
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Scripture Reading: Lk. 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High…
Meditation: Try to answer as many questions as possible
1. Before appearing to Mary, whom was the angel Gabriel was sent to? Whose birth did he announce? What happened at that annunciation? 2. What does “Emmanuel” means? How did Mary win God’s favor? Why did God choose Mary to be the mother of his Son? 3. Why was Mary deeply disturbed by the words of the angel? 4. Why must Mary name her son Jesus? What does the name ‘Jesus’ mean? 5. In the end, did Mary believe the words of the angel? What was her exact words?
By Heart: Reflect on this in light of your daily life situation “…for nothing is impossible to God…”: God is full of surprises and when we have expected that God will so something in a certain way, he does it in another way. Who would have guessed that God would choose a simple virgin Mary to bear the Son of God? - According to the words of the angel Gabriel, who was Jesus and what did he come here to do? - How have we reacted to God’s plan in our lives? Do we doubt God’s intention or do we trust that everything will work out for good? Mary’s prayer was not “May God’s will be changed” – but the greatest prayer in the world: “May God’s will be done”. Like Mary, if we believe and obey God’s word, we too can make Christ present within us and through us his light can illumine the world
Intercessions: 1. That we might believe and obey God’s word in our lives so that we might bear witness to the truth that the Lord is truly with us 2. That we might experience the birth of Jesus in our hearts and renew our faith in him and what he stands for 3. For peace in the world, that leaders of nations might come to an agreement and put an end to war and conflict 4. For expectant mothers, that the Lord will overshadow them with his grace and peace as they bring new life into the world. 5. That sinners might return to the loving embrace of the Father and experience his unconditional love and mercy Covenant Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life: a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life. Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth. Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives. Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled. In your name we humbly pray. Amen
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