THE HANDMAID OF THE LORD

STARTING THE YEAR OF MERCY IN THE COMPANY OF MARY

Today is a very special day, a feast day dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. At the same time, it is the beginning of the Jubilee, in which we recognise, celebrate and accept God’s mercy.

Mary recognised the great things that God did for her. Indeed, she is blessed, and all generations will call her blessed.

Today we celebrate the fact that Mary is the Chosen of the Lord to be the mother of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Having chosen her, God prepared her to the fulfilment of this vocation, by filling her with blessings in such a way that she is the Favoured one (Lk 1:28).

Mary herself was able to recognise the blessings of the Lord, which were bestowed upon her. She is aware that “all generations will call me blessed”, because “the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Indeed, “His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation” (Lk 1:48-50).

Today, we are made to remember that history had a new beginning with this woman that was able to give thanks for the great things God did for her. Instead of the disobedience and rebellion of Eve, the first woman and mother of the living (Gn 3:20), we have the obedience and faithfulness of the mother of the Saviour. Like her, we must have a listening heart to the word of God and with her we can learn to accept and recognise God’s mercies. 

Pope Francis proclaimed a special jubilee focussed on the celebration of the mercy of God; and we initiate this year of mercy with the Blessed Virgin Mary, being sure that she leads us to Christ, teaching us to be servants of the Lord, until the day when we will celebrate with her and all angels and saints the glory of Christ the King.

The Jubilee of Mercy goes from today - 08 December - to 20 November 2016, when it will close with the celebration of the feast of Christ the King.

The Jubilee of Mercy gives us the opportunity to celebrate and to receive God’s mercy. As we experience being forgiven and reconciled, we learn how to forgive and to reconcile. God’s mercy comes from his love, a love that he pours into our hearts.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

 O give thanks to the God of gods,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

 O give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his steadfast love endures forever. (Ps 136:1-3)