Podcasts about god mary

Full Text of ReadingsSolemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God The Octave Day of Christmas Lectionary: 18The Saint of the day is Mary, Mother of God: Her Role in the IncarnationThe Story of Mary, Mother of God Mary's divine motherhood broadens the Christmas spotlight. Mary has an important role to play in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. She consents to God's invitation conveyed by the angel (Luke 1:26-38). Elizabeth proclaims: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42-43, emphasis added). Mary's role as mother of God places her in a unique position in God's redemptive plan. Without naming Mary, Paul asserts that “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4). Paul's further statement that “God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out ‘Abba, Father!'” helps us realize that Mary is mother to all the brothers and sisters of Jesus. Some theologians also insist that Mary's motherhood of Jesus is an important element in God's creative plan. God's “first” thought in creating was Jesus. Jesus, the incarnate Word, is the one who could give God perfect love and worship on behalf of all creation. As Jesus was “first” in God's mind, Mary was “second” insofar as she was chosen from all eternity to be his mother. The precise title “Mother of God” goes back at least to the third or fourth century. In the Greek form Theotokos (God-bearer), it became the touchstone of the Church's teaching about the Incarnation. The Council of Ephesus in 431 insisted that the holy Fathers were right in calling the holy virgin Theotokos. At the end of this particular session, crowds of people marched through the street shouting: “Praised be the Theotokos!” The tradition reaches to our own day. In its chapter on Mary's role in the Church, Vatican II's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church calls Mary “Mother of God” 12 times. To learn more, visit our Seven Days with Mary page. Reflection Other themes come together at today's celebration. It is the Octave of Christmas: Our remembrance of Mary's divine motherhood injects a further note of Christmas joy. It is a day of prayer for world peace: Mary is the mother of the Prince of Peace. It is the first day of a new year: Mary continues to bring new life to her children—who are also God's children. Enjoy this prayer for the New Year! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Why We Love Mary So Much!Today I thought I would do something different. Instead of starting with a scripture. I decided to talk to you today about my mentoring topic for this month. It is Why We Love Mary So Much! “Why do Catholics love Mary so much?” This is a question that I have been asked a lot by Catholics as well as other Christians. I have also been often asked, “Why do Catholics Worship Mary.” Let's address that one first; it is a much simpler answer. We do not worship Mary. We only worship the Lord. We have a deep love and devotion for **Mother Mary** because of her unique role in God's plan for salvation, virtues, and intercession. Today, I will review some key reasons Catholics love Mary so much. Here are some key reasons for this devotion to Mary:1. **Her Role as the Mother of God**Mary is honored as the **Theotokos**, or "God-bearer," because she gave birth to Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. This makes her central to the mystery of the Incarnation—the event through which God became human to save humanity. Catholics view her as the mother of not only Jesus but, in a spiritual sense, the entire Church.2. **Her Yes to God's Will**Mary's willingness to say **"Yes" (Fiat)** to God at the Annunciation (Luke 1:38) is seen as a model of perfect faith and obedience. She trusted God's plan, even without fully understanding it, and her example inspires Catholics to follow her in surrendering to God's will.3. **Her Role as a Spiritual Mother**From the Cross, Jesus entrusted Mary to all humanity when He said to the Apostle John: **"Behold your mother"** (John 19:27). Catholics believe that Mary is a spiritual mother who cares for all believers, interceding for them and guiding them closer to Jesus.4. **Her Sinlessness and Purity**Mary's Immaculate Conception (her being conceived without original sin) and her sinless life make her the perfect model of holiness. Catholics honor her purity and strive to imitate her virtues, especially humility, love, and faithfulness.5. **Her Intercessory Power**Catholics believe that Mary, being close to Jesus, has a unique role in interceding for humanity. Asking for Mary's intercession is like asking a trusted and holy friend to pray on one's behalf. This belief is rooted in her role at the **Wedding at Cana** (John 2:1-12), where her intercession led to Jesus performing His first miracle.6. **A Deeply Personal Connection**For many Catholics, Mary is not only a figure of reverence but also a source of comfort, understanding, and maternal love. Devotions like the **Rosary** help foster this personal connection, allowing the faithful to meditate on Jesus' life through Mary's perspective.7. **Her Title as Queen of Heaven**Mary is honored as the **Queen of Heaven** because of her close association with Christ, the King. This title emphasizes her exalted place in heaven, where she continues interceding for the Church.The title **"Queen of Heaven"** is one of the many honorary titles given to Mary, reflecting her unique role in salvation history and her exalted position in heaven. This title is deeply rooted in Scripture, tradition, and theology. Here's an explanation of why Mary is called the Queen of Heaven:---1. **Mary as Mother of the King (Queen Mother)**In biblical tradition, the mother of the king in the Davidic kingdom held the role of the **queen mother** (*Gebirah* in Hebrew), a position of honor and influence. For example:- In the Old Testament, the queen mother often interceded on behalf of the people (e.g., Bathsheba in 1 Kings 2:19).- Since Jesus is the eternal King of the universe (Luke 1:32-33), Mary, as His mother, is honored as the **Queen Mother** in His heavenly kingdom.2. **Scriptural Foundations**The title is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture but is supported by several biblical themes:- **The Annunciation** (Luke 1:32-33): The angel Gabriel tells Mary that her son will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end. If Jesus is King, Mary is logically the Queen Mother.- **The Woman Clothed with the Sun** (Revelation 12:1): In this passage, Mary is symbolically depicted as a woman crowned with twelve stars, representing her royal dignity and role as the Queen of Heaven.3. **Tradition and Early Church Fathers**- From the earliest centuries, Christians recognized Mary's special status as the mother of the King. Titles like **“Queen of Heaven”** and **“Queen of Angels”** began to appear in Christian prayers and hymns.- Saints like **St. Ephrem** and **St. Augustine** wrote of Mary's royal dignity, associating her with Christ's kingship and her role in the divine plan of salvation.4. **Mary's Coronation**Catholic tradition holds that, after her Assumption into heaven, Mary was crowned as Queen by Christ. This is often depicted in Christian art and is the subject of the **Fifth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary**: *The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.*5. **Her Role in Intercession**As Queen of Heaven, Mary is believed to intercede for humanity before her Son, Jesus Christ. This is similar to the role of the queen mother in the Davidic kingdom, who acted as an advocate for the people.6. **Papal Affirmations**- Pope Pius XII, in his encyclical **Ad Caeli Reginam (To the Queen of Heaven)** in 1954, formally proclaimed Mary as **Queen of Heaven and Earth**, affirming this title as a reflection of her close relationship with Christ and her role in the Church.- He declared that Mary's queenship is rooted in her divine motherhood and her unique participation in Christ's work of redemption.7. **Symbolism of Her Queenship**Mary's title as Queen of Heaven underscores her:- **Exalted dignity** as the Mother of God.- **Role as intercessor** and advocate for the faithful.- **Victory over sin and death**, as she shares in her Son's triumph through her Assumption.8. **Devotions to Mary as Queen**- **The Litany of Loreto** includes the invocation “Queen of Heaven, pray for us.”- Feasts like the **Queenship of Mary** (celebrated on August 22) honor her royal status.Marian hymns, such as **"Hail, Holy Queen" (Salve Regina)**, reflect this devotion.Ultimately, Catholics love Mary because she leads them closer to Jesus. Her life and example remind believers of the transformative power of grace and the importance of trusting in God's plan.I hope you enjoyed this explanation about Mary and why we love her so much. I hope it cleared up any confusion about whether or not we worship Mary. We don't. I hope listening to all this makes you a bit more curious to study Mary on your own. She is really a remarkable woman. Her yes to the Lord is so incredible. She always points us back to her son or to the Father.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless everyone listening to this episode. Lord, thank you so much for sending your son to Earth to save us. Thank you for giving us Mary as our spiritual Mother. We couldn't have asked for a better example. Lord, we ask that you help us be more like Mary. We ask that you help us to say yes, even when we don't quite understand all you are calling us to do. Give us the strength to say Yes to all you ask us to do, Lord. We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name. Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. You can see the whole mentoring session on my YouTube channel if you liked this teaching on why we love Mary so much. It talks about the Immaculate Conception and explains what it means to do a Marian Consecration. It also has some little-known facts about Mary. I think you will enjoy it. I would also like to invite you all to join mentoring for this upcoming year. The first month's theme will be Identity, and it is so needed. If we stand firm in our identity as children of God, then the enemy won't be able to attack us as much. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in June 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “My children, open more fully to my grace. Open to my love. Open your ears to everything I tell you. The more you are open, the more you are likely to receive, my children.”  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

What is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception?Today, I decided to do something a little different.  I usually begin by sharing a scripture verse with you.  However, today is a very special day, at least in the Catholic Church.  There is a lot of confusion about this day and so I wanted to explain what we are actually celebrating today and why we are celebrating it.  Today, in the Catholic Church, we celebrate the Immaculate Conception.  When I was growing up I never understood how Mary could have immaculately conceived Jesus on the 8th of December and then delivered him on December 25th.  It didn't make sense to me and yet I didn't really question it.  It was not until I was an adult, I am not sure how many years ago, that I learned what we were truly celebrating.  I found this great article that explains what we are celebrating and why.  It is called, “8 Things You Need to Know About the Immaculate Conception,” by Jimmy Akin.  I will put a link for the article in the show notes.  (Click Here) for the article. This is where I found the information for this episode.The Immaculate Conceptions is not referring to Jesus' conception, it is referring to Mary's conception.  Mary has a human mother and father, her conception was not the same as Jesus'.  However, it was special in another way.  Here is how the Catholic Church explains it:CCC490 To become the mother of the Saviour, Mary “was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role.” The angel Gabriel at the moment of the annunciation salutes her as “full of grace”.  In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God's grace.CCC491 Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, “full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin. This means that Mary was not only free from original sin, but she was also free from person sin as well.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains:CCC493 The Fathers of the Eastern tradition call the Mother of God “the All-Holy” (Panagia), and celebrate her as “free from any stain of sin, as though fashioned by the Holy Spirit and formed as a new creature”.  By the grace of God Mary remained free of every personal sin her whole life long. “Let it be done to me according to your word. . .”The next question Akin asks is, “If Mary was free from sin, does that mean she didn't need Jesus to die on a cross for her?"He answers, “No. What we've already quoted states that Mary was immaculately conceived as part of her being “full of grace” and thus "redeemed from the moment of her conception" by "a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race."The Catechism goes on to state:CCC492 The “splendour of an entirely unique holiness” by which Mary is “enriched from the first instant of her conception” comes wholly from Christ: she is “redeemed, in a more exalted fashion, by reason of the merits of her Son”.  The Father blessed Mary more than any other created person “in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” and chose her “in Christ before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless before him in love”.CCC508 From among the descendants of Eve, God chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son. “Full of grace”, Mary is “the most excellent fruit of redemption” (SC 103): from the first instant of her conception, she was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life.The next question Akin asked is, “How does this make Mary a parallel of Eve?”  His is answer is:  Adam and Eve were both created immaculate--without original sin or its stain. They fell from grace, and through them mankind was bound to sin.  Christ and Mary were also conceived immaculate. They remained faithful, and through them mankind was redeemed from sin. Christ is thus the New Adam, and Mary the New Eve.The Catechism notes:CCC494 . . . As St. Irenaeus says, “Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.” Hence not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert. . .: “The knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary's obedience: what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her faith.”  Comparing her with Eve, they call Mary “the Mother of the living” and frequently claim: “Death through Eve, life through Mary.”Another question Akin asked was, “Was it necessary for God to make Mary immaculate at her conception so that she could be Jesus' mother?”Akin writes, “No. The Church only speaks of the Immaculate Conception as something that was "fitting," something that made Mary a "fit habitation" (i.e., suitable dwelling) for the Son of God, not something that was necessary. Thus in preparing to define the dogma, Pope Pius IX stated:And hence they [the Church Fathers] affirmed that the Blessed Virgin was, through grace, entirely free from every stain of sin, and from all corruption of body, soul and mind; that she was always united with God and joined to him by an eternal covenant; that she was never in darkness but always in light; and that, therefore, she was entirely a fit habitation for Christ, not because of the state of her body, but because of her original grace. . . .For it was certainly not fitting that this vessel of election should be wounded by the common injuries, since she, differing so much from the others, had only nature in common with them, not sin. In fact, it was quite fitting that, as the Only-Begotten has a Father in heaven, whom the Seraphim extol as thrice holy, so he should have a Mother on earth who would never be without the splendor of holiness [Ineffabilis Deus]."Many of you listening may have already known all about this special day.  However, I felt it was important to explain as I remember when I first found out what we were celebrating I was confused.  I didn't really understand at first and I would have loved to have had this article back then.  I know there are some people who don't understand that we aren't celebrating Jesus' immaculate conception and so I wanted to clear up any misunderstandings about this day.  For those of you who are Catholic, just in case you don't know, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conceptions is a holy day of obligation.  I hope you all enjoyed this little explanation and I hope you check out the article for more information.  Dear Heavenly Father, we are so grateful you gave us Mary so she could say yes to having your one and only son.  We are so grateful you came up with a plan to save us.  We are grateful for all you have done for us over the years.  We don't deserve anything and yet you give us so much.  We thank you Lord.  We love you and we celebrate and honor your beautiful daughter Mary today.  We honor you and your plan for her life.  You are so amazing how you plan everything out in advance.  You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  You are truly remarkable and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus.  I look forward to spending time with you tomorrow.  Remember, Jesus loves you and so do I! Have a blessed day! www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

When Robert died from a fatal motorcycle accident, he was ushered into Heaven, and met God the Father, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, and four archangels. Learn about this astounding encounter and story in this extraordinarily compelling interview.

Our pastor at Authentic Church, James Seiler, asked our very own, Mary Gamboa Tucker from the GRINDIT Podcast, to speak on the Kingdom of God, We are going through a series and Mary. explained what the Kingdom of God is and what Righteousness means. She explains why the two are intertwined and are mentioned together from the Old Testament through the New Testament.

The book, The Only Grace Is Loving God, written in twilight language or ecstatic speech by Lee Lozowick in 1982, was inspired by Answer to Job, CG Jung's discussion of the human struggle with an image we have of God and the suffering we experience. The Divine image has to include the feminine aspect of existence in order for Christ consciousness, a God of love and mercy, to be born in us. Conscious participation in our individuation is needed for the image that we have of God to grow. Lee refers to God and the Great Process of Divine Evolution as one and the same in his writings. The truth of existence is nondual reality; there is only God. Realizing the masculine polarity of being, fulfillment of the Law or surrender to the Will of God, is divine destiny and the same for everyone in all forms. The only gateway to God is the feminine, which is not about gender but qualities of being that exist in each of us. Realizing the perfection of the feminine is different for every form of existence. Loving God is not a destiny but the ultimate human possibility, a gift of Grace which cannot be earned. To love God is whimsical, illogical, wild, spontaneous, unpredictable, paradoxical, useless and foolish. The only hope for the world is for individuals to stay in the heartbreak and take responsibility for inner work that has to be done. We have to find our own way and revelation. Trusting in the benevolence of the universe and imagination are key. Wisdom communicates through presence. The Great Process just keeps going; there is no top end. We can live into the consideration of loving God. Mary Angelon Young is a workshop leader with a background in Jungian psychology, an editor and author of As It Is, Under the Punnai Tree, The Baul Tradition, Caught in the Beloved's Petticoats, Enlightened Duality (with Lee Lozowick), The Art of Contemplation, and other books.

Full Text of ReadingsSolemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God The Octave Day of Christmas Lectionary: 18The Saint of the day is Mary, Mother of God: Her Role in the IncarnationThe Story of Mary, Mother of God Mary's divine motherhood broadens the Christmas spotlight. Mary has an important role to play in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. She consents to God's invitation conveyed by the angel (Luke 1:26-38). Elizabeth proclaims: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42-43, emphasis added). Mary's role as mother of God places her in a unique position in God's redemptive plan. Without naming Mary, Paul asserts that “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4). Paul's further statement that “God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out ‘Abba, Father!'” helps us realize that Mary is mother to all the brothers and sisters of Jesus. Some theologians also insist that Mary's motherhood of Jesus is an important element in God's creative plan. God's “first” thought in creating was Jesus. Jesus, the incarnate Word, is the one who could give God perfect love and worship on behalf of all creation. As Jesus was “first” in God's mind, Mary was “second” insofar as she was chosen from all eternity to be his mother. The precise title “Mother of God” goes back at least to the third or fourth century. In the Greek form Theotokos (God-bearer), it became the touchstone of the Church's teaching about the Incarnation. The Council of Ephesus in 431 insisted that the holy Fathers were right in calling the holy virgin Theotokos. At the end of this particular session, crowds of people marched through the street shouting: “Praised be the Theotokos!” The tradition reaches to our own day. In its chapter on Mary's role in the Church, Vatican II's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church calls Mary “Mother of God” 12 times. Reflection Other themes come together at today's celebration. It is the Octave of Christmas: Our remembrance of Mary's divine motherhood injects a further note of Christmas joy. It is a day of prayer for world peace: Mary is the mother of the Prince of Peace. It is the first day of a new year: Mary continues to bring new life to her children—who are also God's children. Enjoy this prayer for the New Year! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie begin a study of Rev 12 and the Woman and the Dragon. This is an excellent chapter to understand for several reasons. First, it is a clear example of how apocalypses function. Second, the chapter aims to provide a context for "the war"--that is, the one the Beast wages against the Two Witnesses--the people of God/us included--Rev 11:7. Therefore, we are reminded by means of stark imagery of a Dragon pursuing a Woman, first her and then her child, and then, as we will discuss on the next episode, the offspring of the Woman. And, thus, it serves to remind us that the Devil is waging war against us (see Eph 6:11-18; 1 Pet 5:8-9.  Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast. Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!   Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.     Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load. Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on Google searches. If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via Zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on the determinetruth.com site. If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. Show notes Revelation 12 places the story of the people of God in the context of the cosmic struggle between Satan and God: The devil is a Dragon who stands opposed to the people of God in order to defeat them. Genesis 37:9 Woman is Israel—the people of God: Mary; or the nation of Israel/Jewish people The identity of the child becomes clear, “And she gave birth to a son, a male, who is going to rule all the nations with an iron rod” (12:5). The reference to the “rod of iron” is most certainly an allusion to Psalm 2:7, 9. The Dragon (12:3) stands in contrast to the Woman (12:1) both include the use of “sign,” “appeared,” “in heaven,” and “great.” Dragon represents an untamable sea-going, creature. Pharaoh is the serpent in Ezek 29:3 John leaves us with no doubt as to the identity of the Dragon (12:9). the Dragon's tail “swept down a third of the stars of heaven and he threw them to the earth” (12:4). Interestingly, John glosses over Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. “The Woman fled into the wilderness” (12:6). The wilderness was a place of divine protection and a refuge in times of trouble. Jesus went into the wilderness after He was baptized (Matt 4; Luke 4; Mark 1) Moses fled from Egypt and found refuge. The Israelites later fled to the wilderness where God sovereignly provided for and nourished His people. The wilderness also functions as a place of trial and temptation. The wilderness conjures up positive images It was the place of God's presence among the Israelites. In terms of the narrative, the flight of the Woman into the wilderness also suggests that this is the present location of the people of God where they are both divinely protected and pursued by the Dragon! “And there was war in heaven” (12:7). We should not restrict it to the heavens. John makes the identity of the Dragon clear for us. He is the “great Dragon” (12:9) the Dragon is called by two names. First, he is the Devil (diabolos), which means “slanderous; or the slanderer.” Secondly, He is called “the Satan,” which means “the adversary” or “the accuser.” In 12:10, a heavenly voice rejoices “because the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down.” The heavenly voice iterates that the Dragon is “the one who accuses them day and night before our God” (12:10). 12:11-12: a three-part hymn. First proclamation: the kingdom of God has come Second proclamation: they overcame him Third proclamation: rejoice The second part of the hymn appears to describe how the battle was won: first, they overcame “by the blood of the Lamb”; second, they overcame “by the word of their testimony”; and Third, they overcame because “they did not love their life until death” (12:11).    

“Here Am I – Hineni” – “Joseph and Mary's Story” – Matthew 1:20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. -Joseph * Descendants of David * Marriage commitments and customs * Engagement lasts one year * Dowry needs to be paid before engagement - Mary * Mary is Pregnant * Joseph needs to divorce her * Joseph has a dream from God * Mary was everything Joseph thought she was - Hineni – “Here Am I” – Resounding “yes” to God's call, before knowing what would follow. - Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I (Hineni). Send me!" * Joseph and Mary accepted the consequences of saying yes, use me (Hineni).

Gregg DeMey, Lead Pastor

Welcome to Concert Friday! Today is Mary's day as we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception through songs. MUSICSing of MarySing of Mary, pure and lowly, Virgin Mother undefiled. Sing of God's own Son most holy, who became her little child. Fairest child of fairest Mother, God the Lord who came to earth, Word made flesh, our very brother, takes our nature by his birth.  Sing of Jesus, son of Mary, in the home at Nazareth. Toil and labor cannot weary love enduring unto death. Constant was the love he gave her, though he went forth from her side, forth to preach, and heal, and suffer, till on Calvary he died.  Sing of Mary, sing of Jesus, holy Mother's holier son. From his throne in heaven he sees us, thither calls us every one, where he welcomes home his Mother to a place at his right hand, there his faithful servants gather, there the crowned victors stand.  Joyful Mother, full of gladness, in your arms your Lord was borne. Mournful Mother, full of sadness, all your heart with pain was torn. Glorious Mother, now rewarded with a crown at Jesus' hand, age to age your name recorded shall be blest in every land. Glory be to God the Father; glory be to God the Son; glory be to God the Spirit; glory to the Three in One. From the heart of blessed Mary, from all saints the song ascends, and the Church the strain re-echoes unto earth's remotest ends. Author: Roland Ford PalmerPerformed by: Catholic Music InitiativeSung by: Lauren Moore and Dave MooreMary, Did You Know? Mary did you know That your baby boy will one day walk on water? Mary did you know That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know That your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered Will soon deliver you  Mary did you know That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary did you know That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand? Did you know That your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby You've kissed the face of God  Mary, did you know? The blind will see The deaf will hear And the dead will live again The lame will leap The dumb will speak The praises of the Lamb  Mary did you know That your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary did you know That your baby boy will one day rule the nations? Did you know That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? This sleeping child you're holding Is the Great I AmOh, Mary, did you know?Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUPPerformed by: Logan Institute SingersSung by: Bryson Ashcraft"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee," 

Series Title: Welcoming GodSermon Title: Mary's WelcomeScripture: Luke 1:26-38; Isaiah 7:13-14; John 1:45-46;   Series Idea: We welcome God's love this Advent and Christmas season because He first welcomed us with the loving presence of Jesus the Messiah. This Advent, like Mary and Joseph and others, we welcome the Welcoming God.Bottom Line: May your word in me be fulfilled

Carey and Lara talk Carey's factory farm revelation, Lara's George Glaas date to Ridley Scott's Napoleon, and the Mother God finale. Back in Utah, Heather and Angie realize Monica is Jen Shah 2.0, Whitney grieves the death of her bestie, Monica has tea with God (Mary), and Lisa takes Jack to get Modern Mormon Menswear for his mission trip. Then, Meredith soft launches her new jewelry line, where Monica debuts her new personality, and Whitney confronts Lisa over a lack of empathy.Listen to this episode ad-free AND get access to weekly bonus episodes + video episodes by joining the SUP PATREON.Be cheap as hell and get full-length videos of the pod for free by subscribing to the SUP YOUTUBE.Relive the best moments of this iconic podcast by following the SUP TIKOK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27/10/2023

Thank you for listening to My Yes Is On The Table, a podcast hosted by Jennifer Hand and Coming Alive Ministries.  Today Jenn welcomes Mary Carmen Englert to talk about her new book, Seven Pathways.  Mary is an author, teacher, and founder and president of Seven Pathways, a guided meditative journey to help people connect more deeply with God.  Mary's new book, Seven Pathways: Ancient Practices for a Deeper Relationship with God Mary's ministry, Seven Pathways Connect with Mary Carmen Englert and Seven Pathways: Facebook, Instagram Connect with Jenn: Instagram, Facebook, Website DONATE to Coming Alive Ministries  

July 19, 2023 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stjohnrandomlake/support

Our culture today is at a turning point in many ways.  In general, we are deciding whether or not to allow our Christian faith to continue to inform and direct our cultural decisions.  It seems very tempting to go the route of secularism.  A neutrality with respect to faith, at least in public, in order to let religion be a purely private affair.  But is this the way for Christian leaders?  What value does our faith have in the public sphere?  Surprisingly, the life of the Virgin Mary can help us find the way. 

23/6/2023

The fifth chapter of Matthew is thought by many to contain a brief overview of the timeless, practical and useable teachings that Jesus gave during his physical ministry.  "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."(Matthew 5:8) Listen as Mary Ellen shares thoughts about the meaning and possibility of "seeing" God, when Jesus apparently knew and taught that God is Spirit. (John 4:24)  Support the show

Eucharistic Marian Conference / Talk 6 / Speaker: Alan Edwards / The Message, God, Mary, Family, & Country / O'Reilly Catholic Student Center / 847 S. Holland Ave. / Springfield, MO. / 2023.03.25 - Alan Edwards - Saturday, March 25, 2023

Eucharistic Marian Conference / Talk 6 / Speaker: Alan Edwards / The Message, God, Mary, Family, & Country / O'Reilly Catholic Student Center / 847 S. Holland Ave. / Springfield, MO. / 2023.03.25 - Alan Edwards - Saturday, March 25, 2023

EPISODE 1362: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to PLAYING GOD author Mary Jo McConahay about how American Catholic bishops and the big money interests of the religiously fundamentalist far right are a threat to American democracy. Mary Jo McConahay is one of the most prominent Catholic journalists in America. In the 1980s she was a legendary war correspondent covering the Central American insurgencies. She is the author of three books, including The Tango War, The Struggle for the Hearts, Minds and Riches of Latin America During World War II, (starred reviews Kirkus, Publishers' Weekly, Library Journal), and Maya Roads, One Woman's Journey Among the People of the Rainforest (Northern California Book Awards Best Creative Nonfiction Book, National Geographic Traveler Book of the Month, Independent Publishers Award Best Travel Memoir). Her latest book is “PLAYING GOD: American Catholic Bishops and the Far Right” (2023) Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Full Text of ReadingsThe Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God Lectionary: 18The Saint of the day is Mary, Mother of GodThe Story of Mary, Mother of God Mary's divine motherhood broadens the Christmas spotlight. Mary has an important role to play in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. She consents to God's invitation conveyed by the angel (Luke 1:26-38). Elizabeth proclaims: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42-43, emphasis added). Mary's role as mother of God places her in a unique position in God's redemptive plan. Without naming Mary, Paul asserts that “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4). Paul's further statement that “God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out ‘Abba, Father!'” helps us realize that Mary is mother to all the brothers and sisters of Jesus. Some theologians also insist that Mary's motherhood of Jesus is an important element in God's creative plan. God's “first” thought in creating was Jesus. Jesus, the incarnate Word, is the one who could give God perfect love and worship on behalf of all creation. As Jesus was “first” in God's mind, Mary was “second” insofar as she was chosen from all eternity to be his mother. The precise title “Mother of God” goes back at least to the third or fourth century. In the Greek form Theotokos (God-bearer), it became the touchstone of the Church's teaching about the Incarnation. The Council of Ephesus in 431 insisted that the holy Fathers were right in calling the holy virgin Theotokos. At the end of this particular session, crowds of people marched through the street shouting: “Praised be the Theotokos!” The tradition reaches to our own day. In its chapter on Mary's role in the Church, Vatican II's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church calls Mary “Mother of God” 12 times. Reflection Other themes come together at today's celebration. It is the Octave of Christmas: Our remembrance of Mary's divine motherhood injects a further note of Christmas joy. It is a day of prayer for world peace: Mary is the mother of the Prince of Peace. It is the first day of a new year: Mary continues to bring new life to her children—who are also God's children. Enjoy this prayer for the New Year! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

The greatest gift is YES! This Christmas Eve, Pastor Steve encouraged us with a word from our HOME FOR CHRISTMAS series about how even a small YES is a big deal to God!Matthew 1:1This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.The beginning of Matthew's Gospel is a record of Jesus' family history. The surprise of the Christmas story is how God brought such a beautiful gift from such a broken family. When Mary said YES to God, it set in motion a chain of events whose impact will be felt for eternity.A little thing is a little thing. But faithfulness in a little thing is a big thing. Hudson TaylorLike a mustard seed, or a cup of cold water, or a candle in darkness, seemingly insignificant acts of faithfulness are the stuff of great impact when God is involved. For Mary to say YES was a small gesture compared to the great uncertainty of what would follow. But it was that simple YES that God used to bring redemption to a broken world.In the Kingdom of God, a small YES is a big deal.The Christmas story is filled with people who say YES to God: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi and more. But the most meaningful YES is the one Jesus said to us when he humbled himself, choosing to be born in poverty, live in obscurity and die in disgrace, all so we could be made new. The great gift of God at Christmastime is the offer to be forgiven through Jesus, and to have our NO transformed to a YES again in Christ. Will you say YES to Him today?Merry Christmas!

The season of Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation. We prepare our lives to receive God: in the reality of the incarnation, in this present moment, and in the age to come. In our Advent series, we will explore how God comes into the lives of various people in the story, and we will prepare ourselves to encounter God in similar ways in our lives today. I am really excited about how this series has come together, and I cannot wait to engage this holy season with you. This week, Nicole helps us consider the role of Mary, and ask the important question, "What will we do when the story comes to us? For some additional resources, please visit our website. If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at https://www.practicetribe.com/give/  

What is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception?Today, I decided to do something a little different.  I usually begin by sharing a scripture verse with you.  However, today is a very special day, at least in the Catholic Church.  There is a lot of confusion about this day and so I wanted to explain what we are actually celebrating today and why we are celebrating it.  Today, in the Catholic Church, we celebrate the Immaculate Conception.  When I was growing up I never understood how Mary could have immaculately conceived Jesus on the 8th of December and then delivered him on December 25th.  It didn't make sense to me and yet I didn't really question it.  It was not until I was an adult, I am not sure how many years ago, that I learned what we were truly celebrating.  I found this great article that explains what we are celebrating and why.  It is called, “8 Things You Need to Know About the Immaculate Conception,” by Jimmy Akin.  I will put a link for the article in the show notes.  (Click Here) for the article. This is where I found the information for this episode.The Immaculate Conceptions is not referring to Jesus' conception, it is referring to Mary's conception.  Mary has a human mother and father, her conception was not the same as Jesus'.  However, it was special in another way.  Here is how the Catholic Church explains it:CCC490 To become the mother of the Saviour, Mary “was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role.” The angel Gabriel at the moment of the annunciation salutes her as “full of grace”.  In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God's grace.CCC491 Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, “full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin. This means that Mary was not only free from original sin, but she was also free from person sin as well.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains:CCC493 The Fathers of the Eastern tradition call the Mother of God “the All-Holy” (Panagia), and celebrate her as “free from any stain of sin, as though fashioned by the Holy Spirit and formed as a new creature”.  By the grace of God Mary remained free of every personal sin her whole life long. “Let it be done to me according to your word. . .”The next question Akin asks is, “If Mary was free from sin, does that mean she didn't need Jesus to die on a cross for her?"He answers, “No. What we've already quoted states that Mary was immaculately conceived as part of her being “full of grace” and thus "redeemed from the moment of her conception" by "a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race."The Catechism goes on to state:CCC492 The “splendour of an entirely unique holiness” by which Mary is “enriched from the first instant of her conception” comes wholly from Christ: she is “redeemed, in a more exalted fashion, by reason of the merits of her Son”.  The Father blessed Mary more than any other created person “in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” and chose her “in Christ before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless before him in love”.CCC508 From among the descendants of Eve, God chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son. “Full of grace”, Mary is “the most excellent fruit of redemption” (SC 103): from the first instant of her conception, she was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life.The next question Akin asked is, “How does this make Mary a parallel of Eve?”  His is answer is:  Adam and Eve were both created immaculate--without original sin or its stain. They fell from grace, and through them mankind was bound to sin.  Christ and Mary were also conceived immaculate. They remained faithful, and through them mankind was redeemed from sin. Christ is thus the New Adam, and Mary the New Eve.The Catechism notes:CCC494 . . . As St. Irenaeus says, “Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.” Hence not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert. . .: “The knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary's obedience: what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her faith.”  Comparing her with Eve, they call Mary “the Mother of the living” and frequently claim: “Death through Eve, life through Mary.”Another question Akin asked was, “Was it necessary for God to make Mary immaculate at her conception so that she could be Jesus' mother?”Akin writes, “No. The Church only speaks of the Immaculate Conception as something that was "fitting," something that made Mary a "fit habitation" (i.e., suitable dwelling) for the Son of God, not something that was necessary. Thus in preparing to define the dogma, Pope Pius IX stated:And hence they [the Church Fathers] affirmed that the Blessed Virgin was, through grace, entirely free from every stain of sin, and from all corruption of body, soul and mind; that she was always united with God and joined to him by an eternal covenant; that she was never in darkness but always in light; and that, therefore, she was entirely a fit habitation for Christ, not because of the state of her body, but because of her original grace. . . .For it was certainly not fitting that this vessel of election should be wounded by the common injuries, since she, differing so much from the others, had only nature in common with them, not sin. In fact, it was quite fitting that, as the Only-Begotten has a Father in heaven, whom the Seraphim extol as thrice holy, so he should have a Mother on earth who would never be without the splendor of holiness [Ineffabilis Deus]."Many of you listening may have already known all about this special day.  However, I felt it was important to explain as I remember when I first found out what we were celebrating I was confused.  I didn't really understand at first and I would have loved to have had this article back then.  I know there are some people who don't understand that we aren't celebrating Jesus' immaculate conception and so I wanted to clear up any misunderstandings about this day.  For those of you who are Catholic, just in case you don't know, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conceptions is a holy day of obligation.  I hope you all enjoyed this little explanation and I hope you check out the article for more information.  Dear Heavenly Father, we are so grateful you gave us Mary so she could say yes to having your one and only son.  We are so grateful you came up with a plan to save us.  We are grateful for all you have done for us over the years.  We don't deserve anything and yet you give us so much.  We thank you Lord.  We love you and we celebrate and honor your beautiful daughter Mary today.  We honor you and your plan for her life.  You are so amazing how you plan everything out in advance.  You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  You are truly remarkable and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus.  I look forward to spending time with you tomorrow.  Remember, Jesus loves you and so do I! Have a blessed day!

Here are some very powerful, and sometimes funny, encounters with Heaven.  Share Your Story If you have a Touched by Heaven moment that you would like to share with Trapper, please leave us a note at https://touchedbyheaven.net/contact Our listeners look forward to hearing about life-changing encounters and miraculous stories every week. Stay Informed Trapper sends out a weekly email. If you're not receiving it, and would like to stay in touch to get the bonus stories and other interesting content that will further fortify your faith. Stay informed with our weekly newsletter by sharing your email with us at https://blindguymedia.com/stay-informed/ Become a Patron We pray that our listeners and followers benefit from our podcasts and programs and develop a deeper personal relationship with God. We thank you for supporting our efforts and helping to cover the costs by being a Patron and getting lots of fun extras. Please go to https://patreon.com/bfl to check out the details. More About Trapper Jack Trapper has CD's and Downloads of his talks available for you to listen to and share. Download or order your CD now at our online store https://trapperjackspeaksstore.com Check out and subscribe to his new Men's Morning Light live-stream every Wednesday morning, or view the recording at your convenience on either YouTube or Facebook. Men's Morning Light is now available in your favorite Podcast app as well. To book Trapper for speaking engagements and more information, visit us at https://TrapperJackSpeaks.com  We're praying for you and ask that you pray for us!

The key to eternal life is to know God, and to know Him in a way that changes us. How can we get to know God? Professor Mary Williams shares some insights. Click here to view the speech.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabriel promises Zacharias that Elisabeth will bear a son, whom they will name John—He also tells Mary that she will be the mother of the Son of God—Mary visits Elisabeth and utters a psalm of praise—John the Baptist is born—Zacharias prophesies of John's mission. The post Luke 1 appeared first on Sacred Text Daily.

The key to eternal life is to know God, and to know Him in a way that changes us. How can we get to know God? Professor Mary Williams shares some insights. Click here to view the speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding God: Episode 2; by Marissa Jadrich Ortiz, Joan O'Connell, Danyelle Reynolds, and Mary Walker - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Patrick reads article on loneliness and how to address it. Don - Roses from yesterday: I am a convert from Judaism so I never thought I'd be Catholic. I really believe that roses are from God--Mary brought me into the faith. Patty - What are Patrick's thoughts about Alpha? I'm concerned that it doesn't talk enough about the Virgin Mary. Mary - I'm doing alpha at my parish--we don't leave Mary out. it's been very helpful for me. Email from David – I have learned so much from listening to you and how you talk with people. Email from Richard – Is there any history of sacramental denial during other periods of time because of immorality? Email from LA – An example of other times Eucharist has been denied to people because of immorality. Mary - What did the early Christians do before the NT was written? I had a discussion with a friend?

Gabriel promises Zacharias that Elisabeth will bear a son, whom they will name John—He also tells Mary that she will be the mother of the Son of God—Mary visits Elisabeth and utters a psalm of praise—John the Baptist is born—Zacharias prophesies of John's mission. The post Luke 1 appeared first on Sacred Text Daily.

Daily Biblical Readings And Reflection By Rev. Father Felix Kyei Baffour. Please SUBSCRIBE Now To Mary's Castle Podcast So You Don't Miss Any Episode. Thank You!

Homily for the Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent Imagine for a moment when God Himself, the Creator of the universe, the Lord of Lord, the King of Kings, enters into the body of Mary to dwell there and take flesh of her flesh and bone of her bones. God didn't force her to do it, he didn't force her to conceive. He wanted her "yes". Maybe in your own life God acts the same way. He wants to do mighty things through us but he needs our "yes" to do his will. Notice how our lady knew what the will of God was. It didn't make sense or match the direction that her life was going in, but she still said "yes". Many times in our life what God wants for us may not match our plans but sometimes he just need our yes without showing all the in between, and then he would give us the grace every step of the way to live out that yes. Today, as we enter closer to Christmas, surrender your will to the will of God, because that's where true peace and fulfillment lie. You don't have to have it all figured out. Keep saying yes and let God work a miracle in your life.

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Text: Luke 1:39-56 Sermon podcast for St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Walled Lake, MI

Jesus Christ, God incarnate, had a fully human mother and her name was Mary. For most of his Christian life, Hank Hanegraaff lacked a proper appreciation for the grandeur and glory of the Mother of our Savior. As Christians, does the Mother of God matter to us? Brandi Willis Schreiber joins Hank Hanegraaff to discuss her own quest to know and love the Virgin Mary and to incorporate Mary into her own spiritual life—and we hope that this conversation will encourage you to do the same. For more information on A Long Walk with Mary: A Personal Search for the Mother of God, please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-a-long-walk-with-mary-a-personal-search-for-the-mother-of-godTopics discussed include: How can Mary help us to better understand the nature of Christ? (8:30); why representations of Mary always point us to Christ (12:10); differing views of Mary and why many struggle to understand the role of Mary in the Christian life (17:00); the reality that Jesus Christ, God incarnate, had a fully human mother (23:50); the importance of Holy Tradition in relation to Mary (27:55); should we ask for the prayers of Mary and the Saints? (32:00); looking to Mary as the ultimate example of union with Christ—deification (36:20); the role of Mary in the incarnation of Christ and our Salvation (40:15); saying yes to God—Mary's yes and free-will (42:05); the relationship between Mary and Angels (45:20); the portrayal of Mary in the Gospel of Luke (48:05); Jesus' first miracle at the wedding at Cana and the association between Mary and the miraculous (52:00); the perpetual virginity of Mary (59:45); the difference between betrothal in biblical times and our modern conception of engagement and marriage (1:02:05); the significance of Holy Tradition and Church history (1:08:50); the physical reality of Mary carrying Jesus Christ in her womb and her role in our Salvation as the mother of God (1:16:45); the art of writing (1:21:50); the discipline of reading and why it is so important (1:27:45). Listen to Hank's podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

What do Orthodox Christians believe about Mary and what role does Mary play in salvation history? Author Fr. Stephen Freeman joins Fr. Tom Soroka as they discuss "The Ark of God: Mary and the Christian Faith."

What do Orthodox Christians believe about Mary and what role does Mary play in salvation history? Author Fr. Stephen Freeman joins Fr. Tom Soroka as they discuss "The Ark of God: Mary and the Christian Faith."

REFLECTION QUOTES “One word became unbelievably clear, and that word was privilege. He didn't take away pain or cruelty or humiliation. No! It was all there, but now it was altogether different. It was with him, for him, in him. He was actually offering me the inestimable privileged of sharing in some little way the edge of the fellowship of his suffering.” “In the weeks of imprisonment that followed and in the subsequent years of continued service, looking back, one has tried to ‘count the cost,' but I find it all swallowed up in privilege. The cost suddenly seems very small and transient in the greatness and permanence of the privilege.” “God never uses a person greatly until He has wounded him deeply. The privilege He offers you is greater than the price you have to pay. The privilege is greater than the price.” ~Dr. Helen Roseveare (1925-2016), Cambridge-educated medical missionary to the Congo “Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble' nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.” ~C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), British writer and theologian “Self-sacrifice means not indifference to our times and our fellows: it means absorption in them. It means forgetfulness of self in others. It means entering into every man's hopes and fears, longings and despairs: it means many-sidedness of spirit, multiform activity, multiplicity of sympathies. It means richness of development. It means not that we should live one life, but a thousand lives—binding ourselves to a thousand souls by the filaments of so loving a sympathy that their lives become ours. It means that all the experiences of men shall smite our souls and shall beat and batter these stubborn hearts of ours into fitness for their heavenly home. It is, after all, then, the path to the highest possible development, by which alone we can be made truly men.” ~B.B. Warfield (1886-1902), Professor at Princeton SERMON PASSAGE Luke 1:26-40 (ESV) 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

This lecture was offered by Prof. Joshua Benson (Catholic University of America) at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on September 26th, 2017. Description: Even cradle Catholics sometimes seem confused about who Mary is and what Catholics believe. A prime example is the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. Sometimes Catholics think this refers to Mary's conception of Christ or some see it as an expression of Catholic guilt about the body. We can ground all our thinking about Mary, however, in a simple place: she is the Virgin Mother of God. From this vantage point, Catholic teaching about Mary can be unified and understood as deeply rooted in God's Word and the tradition of reflection upon it. Speaker Bio: Joshua Benson received his Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Saint Louis University in 2007 where he focused on medieval theology, especially the thought of Saint Bonaventure. He also holds an MA in Franciscan Studies from the Franciscan Institute (St. Bonaventure University, 2002) and a BA in Philosophy (Canisius College, 2000). Dr. Benson's current research focuses on producing editions of twelfth-century biblical commentaries (1150-1200) and early thirteenth-century commentaries on the Peter Lombard's Sentences (1225-1250). He currently lives in Maryland with his wife and four children.

Luke 01—Gabriel promises Zacharias that Elisabeth will bear a son, whom they will name John—He also tells Mary that she will be the mother of the Son of God—Mary visits Elisabeth and utters a psalm of praise—John the Baptist is born…