God is sovereign. He alone is in control of everything. He inspires everyone and everything. From the smallest atom to the solar system, God is in control. I am amazed. I am amazed at everything God is. To me, HE is the Almighty, the most Awesome and Amazing my one and only, my GOD.
Last week, I was standing at the bus stop. And there came a 212 route bus, and I was down with asthma, I felt this nudge and I knew it was God and I replied God I am really tired. So the first bus leaves. The second bus again a 212. Again the same thing and again my reply was the same, I just said God I don’t want to walk. Minutes later there is a 214, I climb the bus and what do you think happened? The bus broke down exactly the same spot where I would have to get down from had I taken the 212 bus. When I walked the way, I did not have a complain, I felt good to walk and then I saw this house with the name ‘Ave Maria’ and I understood that’s what God wanted me to do, and I just called out ‘God’ and immediately the answer was yes. So my title today, is to the greatest Woman, in the entire galaxy and through time. It is to my sweetest, mama ‘Mary’.
Of-course you would say, this just could be a coincidence. On nearly reaching home, I saw the bus (say after 7 minutes of time) working fine. So you see my friend, with God there are no co-incidences. There are only miracles. Ask me-and I will tell you of so many of them.
The part before the semicolon is the angel Gabriel's greeting to the Virgin Mary when he told her that she had been chosen by God to bear His Son, Jesus Christ - Luke 1:28
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace! the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
The Magnificat
Is a canticle—a hymn taken from the Bible. When the angel Gabriel visited the Virgin Mary he told her that her cousin Elizabeth was also with child. Mary visited her cousin (Elizabeth) and the baby in her womb (John the Baptist)leapt for joy when Elizabeth heard Mary's voice.
The Magnificat-Luke 1:46-55 - is the Virgin Mary's response to Elizabeth's greeting, glorifying God and thanking Him for choosing her to bear His Son.
The Magnificat
My soul doth magnify the Lord:
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour
Because He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaid: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is His Name.
And His mercy is from generation until generations, to them that fear Him.
He hath showed might with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the lowly.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel His servant, being mindful of His mercy:
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour
Because He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaid: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is His Name.
And His mercy is from generation until generations, to them that fear Him.
He hath showed might with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the lowly.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel His servant, being mindful of His mercy:
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.
Memorare
The Memorare of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the best known of all Marian prayers.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
One of my favorite parts of the nativity story is when Mary is told she will bear a son who “will be called the Son of the Most High.” She asks, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” and the angel replies, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God" Luke 1:34-37
I love that final phrase: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” It’s the type of truth we need to remember in our lives, our marriages, our families.
We need to remember that the God who made it possible for a virgin to conceive can heal any marriage and any family problem.
The God who came to live with us understands the temptations we face, and gives us the power to turn away from them.
The God who sent angels to speak to men two thousand years ago still speaks to us today through His Word.
The God who sent Jesus to “save His people from their sins” Matthew 1:21 …… now gives us the power to walk with Him every hour of every day.
We all have something going on in our lives that should cause us to turn to God … some problem or situation that we just can’t seem to solve ourselves.
Our Faith is not dependent on logic. We should place our faith in God and not our circumstances. God can work in our lives in a mighty way even when there is no hope. If your heart is willing to believe then God will do great things in your life, and nothing will be impossible.
REMEMBER: A barren (senior) woman conceiving a child? Impossible! But God caused Elizabeth to shout for joy when baby-John was born. A virgin becoming pregnant? Impossible! But God made it so! God becomes man without ceasing to be God? Impossible! But Emmanuel was born. God forgives all our sins and gives heaven as a gift -- without requiring any good work on our part? Impossible! But Christ the Savior is born.
You say that life seems hopeless – but really look around you, hope floats. By sending Jesus Christ, God conquered the most impossible of impossibilities: OUR SIN. Any other impossibility (including the one you are facing) is nothing in His sight. "I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" Jeremiah 32:27 "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans8:32
So rejoice, for with God nothing is impossible, including your impossibilities.
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there... When the wine ran short Mary said to Him, "They have no wine." Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come."
His mother told the servers, "Do whatever He tells you." John 2:1-11
Jesus and His mother Mary were at a wedding feast at Cana. Mary observes that they have no more wine. Jesus’ mother becomes aware of a most embarrassing situation—the wine has run out, and there appears to be no solution. Either no more wine is available, or there is no money to buy more wine. The guests seem unaware of what is happening. If something is not done, all will be embarrassed. Jesus’ mother seems to step in and take charge when she says to Jesus, “They have no wine left.” I believe Mary informs Jesus with the hope that He might do something about the situation. Of all those present, the mother of our Lord knows Jesus best. And Jesus says to her, Woman, how does this concern of yours affect me? My hour has not yet come. So in this interaction between Jesus and Mary we note some reluctance on Jesus’ part for his hour had not yet come. And yet, because it is his mother who asks he does it. She simply turns to the servants and instructs them, “Whatever He tells you, do it.” She does not argue with Him, for He has made His point. She does not plead with Him. At the wedding feast of Cana Jesus merely told the servants to draw out the water and take it to the chief steward, He merely willed that it be changed from water to wine, Only God can create or change by an act of His Will alone.
REMEMBER: So, in the end it is clear that Jesus is a bit hesitant at His Mother’s request but out of respect for the fact that it is she who is asking He works the miracle. Far from disrespecting her He is actually indicating respect for her in a tender way that acknowledges that she is His mother and that this fact will make Him reconsider and ultimately reject His reluctance. Jesus showed His obedience and respect to His mother. Hence we seem on good grounds for concluding to the power of Mary’s intercession!
His mother told the servers, "Do whatever He tells you." John 2:1-11
Jesus and His mother Mary were at a wedding feast at Cana. Mary observes that they have no more wine. Jesus’ mother becomes aware of a most embarrassing situation—the wine has run out, and there appears to be no solution. Either no more wine is available, or there is no money to buy more wine. The guests seem unaware of what is happening. If something is not done, all will be embarrassed. Jesus’ mother seems to step in and take charge when she says to Jesus, “They have no wine left.” I believe Mary informs Jesus with the hope that He might do something about the situation. Of all those present, the mother of our Lord knows Jesus best. And Jesus says to her, Woman, how does this concern of yours affect me? My hour has not yet come. So in this interaction between Jesus and Mary we note some reluctance on Jesus’ part for his hour had not yet come. And yet, because it is his mother who asks he does it. She simply turns to the servants and instructs them, “Whatever He tells you, do it.” She does not argue with Him, for He has made His point. She does not plead with Him. At the wedding feast of Cana Jesus merely told the servants to draw out the water and take it to the chief steward, He merely willed that it be changed from water to wine, Only God can create or change by an act of His Will alone.
REMEMBER: So, in the end it is clear that Jesus is a bit hesitant at His Mother’s request but out of respect for the fact that it is she who is asking He works the miracle. Far from disrespecting her He is actually indicating respect for her in a tender way that acknowledges that she is His mother and that this fact will make Him reconsider and ultimately reject His reluctance. Jesus showed His obedience and respect to His mother. Hence we seem on good grounds for concluding to the power of Mary’s intercession!
CONCLUSION: As a child, the wedding at Cana was the first miracle I heard of and it has been my favourite one. I guess its childhood feelings attached. But all said and done, the most important fact remains. As a kid, I was taught you go to mama Mary to get to Jesus. The saying is ‘To Jesus through Mary.’
Following is a short story that Fr. Byron today gave at the 10:15 mass, in his homily. I heard it for the first time and I loved the story. And yes I did have tears in my eyes. All I ask is for you to read. And remember, every life counts. Value every person.
Pastor And his Son.
Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts.
This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, "OK, dad, I'm ready."
His Pastor dad asked, "Ready for what?"
"Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out."
Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain." "Son, I am not going out in this weather."
Despondently, the boy asks, "Dad, can I go? Please?"
His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son."
"Thanks Dad!"
And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted.
Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell.. He rang the bell, but nobody answered....
He rang it again and again, but still no one answered.
He waited but still no answer.
Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him....
Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.
Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son?" With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that *JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU* and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE."
With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave.
She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You!"
Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit.
As the service began, he asked, "Does anybody have testimony or want to say anything?
Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet.
As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, "No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before.
You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world.
Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live.
So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home.... I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and brokenhearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, "I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away."
I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly.
I thought to myself again, "Who on earth could this be?
Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me." I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.
When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you!
The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, "Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU."
Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.
As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more.
You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell."
There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honor to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated.
He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.
Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honor for his son... Except for One.
Our Father also allowed His Son to go out into a cold and dark world.. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all of heaven shouted praises and honor to The King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named.
This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, "OK, dad, I'm ready."
His Pastor dad asked, "Ready for what?"
"Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out."
Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain." "Son, I am not going out in this weather."
Despondently, the boy asks, "Dad, can I go? Please?"
His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son."
"Thanks Dad!"
And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted.
Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell.. He rang the bell, but nobody answered....
He rang it again and again, but still no one answered.
He waited but still no answer.
Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him....
Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.
Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son?" With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that *JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU* and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE."
With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave.
She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You!"
Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit.
As the service began, he asked, "Does anybody have testimony or want to say anything?
Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet.
As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, "No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before.
You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world.
Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live.
So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home.... I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and brokenhearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, "I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away."
I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly.
I thought to myself again, "Who on earth could this be?
Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me." I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.
When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you!
The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, "Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU."
Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.
As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more.
You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell."
There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honor to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated.
He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.
Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honor for his son... Except for One.
Our Father also allowed His Son to go out into a cold and dark world.. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all of heaven shouted praises and honor to The King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named.
PRAYER: Mama Mary, I come to you today. I pray for Gods will in my life. I also know I have a promise that God has put in my heart. This promise means the world to me.
Led by the Holy-spirit I come to you for help. Anything you ask of Jesus, He will not refuse. With this confidence I come to you, ‘To Jesus through Mary.’ Amen.
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