Theme: Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for the coming of the Savior. Mary, the Mother of God, waits patiently for the birth of her Son and Savior, Jesus Christ to Whom she has given her life.

Grace: I pray for the grace of Marian surrender and anticipation of the Savior during this holy Advent and Christmas season.

“Within the sphere of humanity and in the natural world, there had to be a pure and spotless being capable of receiving the divine element, a feminine principle enlightened by grace.”

                             ~Nicholas Berdyaev

For Reflection:

Meditate on this quote in light of the Blessed Mother. Think about it with regard to God’s initiative in her life and her capacity to surrender to His Holy Will. Consider the words “pure” and “spotless”. Why do you think these qualities would be essential to receive the “divine element”? Read paragraphs 490-493 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. How does this increase your understanding of Mary as woman, as disciple, as who she is in the plan of God?