First reading Galatians 3:22-29
There are no more distinctions: all are one in Christ Jesus
Scripture makes no exceptions when it says that sin is master everywhere. In this way the promise can only be given through faith in Jesus Christ and can only be given to those who have this faith.
Before faith came, we were allowed no freedom by the Law; we were being looked after till faith was revealed. The Law was to be our guardian until the Christ came and we could be justified by faith. Now that that time has come we are no longer under that guardian, and you are, all of you, sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. All baptised in Christ, you have all clothed yourselves in Christ, and there are no more distinctions between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female, but all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Merely by belonging to Christ you are the posterity of Abraham, the heirs he was promised.
Responsorial Psalm 104(105):2-7
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or
Alleluia!
O sing to the Lord, sing his praise;
tell all his wonderful works!
Be proud of his holy name,
let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.
Consider the Lord and his strength;
constantly seek his face.
Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, the judgements he spoke.
O children of Abraham, his servant,
O sons of the Jacob he chose.
He, the Lord, is our God:
his judgements prevail in all the earth.
Gospel Luke 11:27-28
‘Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!’
As Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, ‘Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!’ But he replied, ‘Still happier those who hear the word of God and keep it!’
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Overshadowing presence of the Spirit
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow”. These were the words of the Angel Gabriel to Mary. Jesus, the Incarnated God, was conceived and born through the presence of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the Holy Spirit continued to live and work in Mary throughout her life, even in moments when she faced hardships and sufferings.
As we celebrate this Feast of Mother Mary, let us ask her for the grace to recognise that we need the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. With the Holy Spirit living and working in us, we, like Mary, can dare to give our “Yes” to be God’s instrument today.
Reflective question:
Do I count on the help of the Holy Spirit to guide me in my daily life and live out God’s purpose for me?
Do I count on the help of the Holy Spirit to guide me in my daily life and live out God’s purpose for me?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
