Meditation: Do you want to live a grace-filled life? The angel Gabriel salutes Mary as full of grace. To become the mother of the Savior, Mary was enriched by God with gifts to enable her to assume this awesome role. There is a venerable tradition among many Christians, dating back to the early church, for honoring Mary as the spotless virgin who bore the Son of God in her womb. A number of early church fathers link Marys obedience to this singular grace of God. Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race... The knot of Eves disobedience was united by Marys obedience: what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her faith (Ireneaus, 2nd century). Faith is the key that unlocks the power of Gods kingdom in our lives What is the key that can unlock the power and grace of Gods kingdom in our personal lives? Faith and obedience for sure! When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they immediately experienced the consequence of their action - separation from the God who loved them. God in his mercy promised them a Redeemer who would pay the price for their sin and the sin of the world. We see the marvelous unfolding of Gods plan of redemption in the events leading up to the Incarnation, the birth of the Messiah. Marys prompt response of yes to the divine message is a model of faith for all believers. Mary believed Gods promises even when they seemed impossible. She was full of grace because she trusted that what God said was true and would be fulfilled. She was willing and eager to do Gods will, even if it seemed difficult or costly. God gives us the grace to say yes to his will and to his transforming work in our lives God gives us grace and he expects us to respond with the same willingness, obedience, and heart-felt trust as Mary did. When God commands he also gives the grace, strength, and means to respond. We can either yield to his grace or resist and go our own way. Do you believe in Gods promises and do you yield to his grace? Heavenly Father, you offer us abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness through your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to live a grace-filled life as Mary did by believing in your promises and by giving you my unqualified yes to your will and to your plan for my life.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:47:52 +0000
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