Immaculata University Advent Reflection Booklet

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it bedone to me according to your word.” And the angel departed fromher. Luke 1:38As we celebrate Mary’s Immaculate Conception (the day she was conceivedwithout original sin), the Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ conception.After the angel Gabriel greets her as “full of grace”, a troubledMary’s initial response is one of silence – she takes time to ponder thisperplexing greeting. Gabriel tells Mary: “You will bear a Son.” She thenasks a question: “How can this be?” Following the angel’s assurance that“The Holy Spirit will come upon you” and that “With God nothing isimpossible”, Mary gives her assent, a “Yes” that resounds to change thecourse of history. When the angel leaves Mary, she is not alone; she nowcarries Jesus within her. This mystical experience leads Mary to go outsideof herself, bringing Jesus to the world – beginning with a visit to herelderly cousin Elizabeth.Today we remember Mary and her goodness. Perhaps this can be an Adventday when we consider what God might be asking of us and try toemulate our Blessed Mother in thought, word, and deed:Mary’s faith-filled reflection reminds us to take time to pray, to pauseduring our noisy and busy days to ponder, meditate, and whisper ourthoughts to God.Mary’s hope-filled response encourages us to acknowledge our questionsand lack of understanding, but to trust God even in times of confusion,uncertainty, or doubt.Mary’s loving service provides a model for us to follow. We strive to beopen to others, meeting their needs with sensitivity and compassion.On this Feast of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Maryand of our beloved Immaculata University, we pray:O God, through the intercession of Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus and our mother,grant prosperity to Immaculata University and peace and protection to all who live,work, or study on this campus. Like Mary, may we bear faith, hope, and love to everyonewe meet. Amen.Sister Carol Anne Couchara, IHMDissertation Support ManagerDecember 8, 2011The Feast of the Immaculate Conceptionof the Blessed Virgin Mary