Pope Francis, during his speech on the solemnity of the Immaculate conception, addressed the importance of two unique attitudes of the virgin mother Mary (Amazement and Fidelity)
He stressed the need for every worshipper to showcase a godly attitude, cherish God’s blessings, and consistently remain in the Lord’s presence by welcoming the holy spirit through their small, daily choices.
In the congregation of the assembled faithful, the Pope continued on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception as he opened the Gospel of the day which reminds us of the Annunciation.
Then, emphasising on the two key attitudes of the Holy Mother Mary, Father Francis said “that help us understand how she would have guarded the unique gift she received – a heart completely free from sin”.
He said these attitudes are “amazement regarding the works of God and fidelity in the simple things”.
First, Amazement
The Holy Father recalled to memory the account of the angelic appearing of the heavenly messenger to Mary, saying “rejoice”, and referring to her as a woman “full of grace.”
He also highlighted that Mary, as a mortal one , was “troubled” at being said to be ,“full of grace”, but yet was “amazed” as she was made to know by the angel that this meant that she was “filled with God’s love.”
According to Pope Francis, Mary’s first kind of attitude is very unique and important, encouraging us that we never take for granted the gifts of the Lord.
“It is also important to demonstrate this amazement before others, speaking humbly about God’s gifts, about the good received, and not only about daily problems”, he added.
Secondly, Fidelity.
Speaking on Mary’s second attitude of fidelity in the simple things, the Pope made us realise that before the Annunciation there was nothing known about Mary in the scriptures: She was just presented as a simple girl like everyone else’s in her village of Nazareth.
Also read: Israel prime minister receives Elon Musk today as they both tour the war-torn area of Kibbutz
This was a young girl, said the Holy Father, who, “specifically because of her simplicity, kept pure that Immaculate Heart with which, by God’s grace, she had been conceived”. We must know that this, also, is important, if we desire “to welcome God’s great gifts, it is necessary to know how to treasure those that are more everyday and less noticeable”, he added.
Pope Francis inspired us with the gospel, saying that, “It is with her daily fidelity in goodness that Our Lady allowed God’s gift to grow within her.”
In his last admonition, Pope Francis encouraged everyone to make the small choices necessary. “These”, according to him, “are the small choices necessary to welcome the Lord’s presence daily in our lives.”
And gathering his catechesis, he summoned all the faithful to ask themselves whether they believe in the importance of their fidelity to the Lord. He questioned them to know whether they allot part of their time daily to the study of the gospel, pray and participate in the Eucharist.
