This led to my entrance into the Catholic Church. By then, I had been in recovery for a few years and, although I had successfully overcome two addictions that caused much pain and destruction in my life, I had yet to overcome another addiction that was causing even more guilt and shame. Shortly after my conversion into the Catholic Church, I learned how to pray the Rosary and was encouraged to pray it every day. Looking back, I can see how praying the Rosary helped me to overcome my other addiction and draw closer to Jesus. It was through Mary and praying the Rosary that I began to learn how to have a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Isn’t it fitting that the woman who said yes to the angel Gabriel, who gave birth to Jesus, would know best how to love Jesus? Today’s Gospel is a reminder of our Blessed Mother’s yes to God, serving as the perfect model for how to love God. Saint Pope John Paul II knew this also, which is why he lived by the motto “Totus Tuus” (“Totally Yours”) to signify his devotion to Our Lady. May we too live with such a devotion to the one who loves God perfectly—Mary, full of grace!
“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.’ But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end’” (Luke 1: 26-33).
Reflection Questions
- How has Mary helped you in your recovery and to form a deeper love for God?
- Do you pray the Rosary daily? Are you willing to commit to praying the Rosary every day?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Reflection by Marty T.