Characters of Advent: Part 3: The Faith of Mary

Characters of Advent: The Faith of Mary

Part 3 of 3 in the Character of Advent Series

We have looked at the figures of Advent in light of the season, but also looked at the season in the light of each individual. This continues today. The prior conferences’ focus was on Isaiah and St. John the Baptist. This Conference Audio series focuses on The Faith of Mary. The conference will not look at Mary globally, but rather, how we meet her during the season of Advent. Its not through Advent we come to know Mary. It is Through Mary that we will understand Advent more fully.

The Conference on The Faith of Mary begins with a special Rosary and meditation of Our Lady, in this season of Advent, and her impact within the Joyous Mysteries. Listen and pray the Rosary to set the tone for the day.

Audio #2 is the Gospel and Homily of the Mass that precedes today’s conference (audio #3). This 20 minute audio begins with the reading “This is how the birth of Jesus came about”. It is an interesting gospel in that if someone was to ask the question on How the birth of Jesus came about, it is likely that the Nativity scene comes to mind. Or possibly, the shepherds visiting the new born Christ. But it is not likely one thinks of the angel visiting Joseph. To understand the Nativity, one needs to reflect on the story of Joseph debating how to proceed with Mary when he finds she is with child. After much thought, Joseph decides on an action that is just and merciful. It is only after pondering his actions that the angel appears to Joseph and says not to be afraid to take Mary into his home. Joseph’s story is also a story for us in taking in Mary, and therefore Jesus, into our own relationships. Listen to this twenty minute audio that provides insights and prepares us for the topics discussed in the remainder of the conference.

Advent is a time for preparation for the arrival of Jesus. Audio #3 begins with the parable of the maidens with the lamps as they waited for the bridegroom, who was delayed. All ten maidens fell asleep. As they sleep, their lamps burned pending the arrival of the bridegroom. Five maidens rested as they were prepared for His arrival. They had bought extra oil. The remaining five were not prepared and at the time of His arrival were frantic about obtaining oil so they may be prepared as well.

This story applies to our own faith. We must be prepared to meet the Lord. No one knows when He will come. How does this apply to us? Listen to the audio that translates the parable to a faithful preparation we all must consider.

The Audio continues and references the Announcement to Mary. This special Feast of the Annunciation is peculiar in a way, because it “announces” the coming of the Lord. Yet an announcement was made to only one person. That normally does not happen. The announcement was made to Mary, because she was the only one in this world prepared to receive it. When the Angel Gabriel announces that Mary will conceive and bear a child, Mary makes no initial statement. The audio explains why this is so. When she does speak she asks how this is possible. How can a Virgin bear a son and still remain a Virgin? Mary’s faith is explained in detail within audio #3.

Mary has a great number of names that we have heard in songs and Litanies. One that most have not heard is as follows:
The Virgin Mary is the Book where the unwritable Word is written. This title is also explained in great detail in audio #3.

There are other topics discussed in this approximately 60 minute audio #3. The conference concludes with a discussion of Jesus born into the cold of night, and not known by man. Jesus came into the world because of His love for us. Most men, however, are cold and indifferent.

Jesus, when He opens His eyes sees the loving gaze of Mary. Upon seeing Mary, he then sees Joseph and the rest of the world after seeing the loving gaze of His mother. Jesus is warmed with her loving touch and gaze. It is out of His gaze of the love of Mary that He looks at the world. See how the faith of Mary unfolds and how this story should impact our own spirituality.

In the last (#4- 13 minute: The Greatness of the Words of the Annunciation) audio, which was recorded during Adoration, there is a reading of the Gospel and a brief homily. This Gospel is the most read Gospel throughout the year (The Annunciation). The story, however, is not a story of Our Lady, but rather, of Our Lord. The Lord is pleased to come into this world Through Mary. He is completely dependent on her. Reflect on the dialogue between the angel and Mary. Reflect on the greatness of the Word. Hear, understand and meditate on the specific words spoken by the angel to Mary. At the end of the dialogue, Mary responds, “May it be done to me according to your Word”. We would all do well if we respond to the Lord with the very same response.

We hope you enjoy this conference audio and, indeed, this Advent Series.