In Mary's Company

Tissot's: The Annunciation

Fr. Francis Ferdinand, in In Conversation With God, writes in his meditation for this Sunday:

"There is no better way of preparing for Christmas, which is now so close, than by keeping Mary company, getting to know her and deepening our love and trust in her."

I love this thought of keeping Our Lady company, of being in her company. Fr. Joseph Homick also uses this same phrase in his book A Place Prepared By God when speaking about praying the Rosary. When I read those words in Fr. Joseph's book, praying the Rosary took on a much deeper dimension. I could imagine myself in Mary's presence and be assured of her constant presence with me.
Staying in the company of Our Lady will keep us close to Jesus, for Mary is not the way but she will always lead us to her Son who is the Way.
In this final week of the Advent season when things in our everyday life get busier, let us remind ourselves to slow down and spend some time with Mary in preparing for Jesus' coming. In doing so we will be able to say with her: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:46~47)

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You sent Your Son, conceived in the Virgin's womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. May this same Holy Spirit overshadow us so that Christ will be born in us. In staying in the company of Mary we are drawn closer to Christ; with her and through her intercession, may we lead others to Him as well. May Jesus be born in the hearts of many this Christmas.
Amen.