Thursday 8 December

The Immaculate Conception

Genesis 3: 9-15, Ps. 98, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12, Luke 1: 26-38

Mary,
Chosen in Christ, for Christ
before the creation of the world
foretold in the shade
of that enchaining tree.
Mary,
Dressed by Yahweh in garments of faith
your cloak integrity
holiness your crown;
you carry the Saviour
who comes to set us free.
Mary,
Chosen for us
spared of sin’s shame
but not of its pain;
the tree of your wounding
not that in the garden
but cross-shaped on a hill.

Mary generously accepted her role
in God’s plan
May she help us when we find
God’s will difficult.