Leaning On Mary This Advent

Happy Advent, friend!

This liturgical season is one of my favorites—it is so sweet to enter into the joyful anticipation of Christmas.

As Catholics, this season reminds us to recenter our focus on Christ. It is a time for intentional preparation as well as for striving to deepen our relationship with our Lord. As Advent ushers in a new liturgical year, we are given a new opportunity to return to Jesus.

For many of us, this season encourages forms of penances or fasts. Or we might cling to tradition, like Advent wreaths. Maybe we strive to utilize the sacraments, making sure we receive forgiveness in confession or encounter God’s grace through the Eucharist. In general, Jesus calls us to prayer and preparation, inviting us to slow down, quiet our hearts, and truly rest in Him.

This year, I am feeling a nudge to draw nearer to the heart of Mary during this season.

Because we are not preparing for a mere possibility, but we are preparing for the reality of Christ’s birth—which would not have been possible without her fiat. Mary is the quintessential example of faith, her love for her Son is incomprehensible to us. Her perfection reflects God’s vision for the Church. So, I’m leaning on her example and intercession. Her prayers shed graces that initiate virtue. Her example paves the path toward holiness. And Her love for Christ reveals the intimacy of our faith.

And there are countless ways for us to embrace her example. We can pray the rosary more frequently and devoutly. We can meditate on her virtues. There are Marian Consecrations we can do. Even simply reading about her can bring us closer to her.

Just as Mary trusted God as she submitted to His will to bear the Messiah, may we trust in His promise with anticipant hope. As she fervently rejoiced in the goodness of the Lord, may we also exult in the light Christ radiates to outshine the darkness of the world. As she allowed His love to cover her whole being, may we also emanate His grace and compassion.

So, my friend, let us ask the Blessed Mother to guide us and support us throughout the course of our spiritual journey, but especially right now as we aim to restructure and restore our souls to gaze more directly toward Christ.

Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash