Priests in Imitation of Mary

Last week, Pope Benedict XVI had a conference with pastors from around the city of Rome, in which he called on them to imitate the life of Mary. Click here to read it.

Mary is a great example of love and humility. She was one who heard the Word of God in a very literal way, since it was the Word that entered into her. The "Word" (λογος in Greek) is Jesus. At the beginning of the Gospel of John, it reads "In the beginning was the Word" (Εν άρχή ήν ό λογος). It is the Word, Jesus, Who Incarnates Himself into the womb of Mary. This profound event is the Annunciation, which we celebrate on March 25 most years.

Mary is also the woman who listens. She still plays an important role by being the Mother of God. She intercedes for us, and so the prayer we give to her is intercessory. What do you need to pray for? Do you have a sick mother, or are you praying for clarity of vocation? Pray to Mary, and ask her to intercede for you to Jesus.

Her example is also to inspire us. She followed Christ in his ministry, and in our meditations on the life of Christ, part of us should stand back and be observant of what Jesus does, trying to incorporate what he did into our lives, and how what He did can guide us to follow Him closer.
Pray the Rosary. Mary will always be faithful to you, so let her know that you want her to be faithful. She will always pray for you, so ask her to pray for you.

May you remain close to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.