The Immaculate Conception

Reflection

Gerard Manley Hopkins was a poet, a priest and a professor of Greek.  He lived in the later part of the 1800s.  Although very little of his poetry was published during his life, when his work was finally revealed, the world discovered a rich, innovative way of using the English language.  He called his secret “Sprung Verse.”

When I think of words of praise of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, I think of Hopkins. In a reverent but shocking way, he compares the Blessed Mother to the air we breathe.

I invite you to listen to the video at the end of this reflection.  I share some of Hopkins’ poem.  Allow yourself, with the help of the poem, to come to a greater appreciation of the Mother of Jesus.

Scripture

Luke
Chapter: 1

An Angel Tells about the Birth of Jesus

 
²⁶One month later God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee   ²⁷with a message for a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph from the family of King David.   ²⁸The angel greeted Mary and said, "You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you." 
²⁹Mary was confused by the angel's words and wondered what they meant.   ³⁰Then the angel told Mary, "Don't be afraid! God is pleased with you,   ³¹and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus.   ³²He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was.  ³³He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end." 
³⁴Mary asked the angel, "How can this happen? I am not married!" 
³⁵The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God's power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God.   ³⁶Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son.   ³⁷Nothing is impossible for God!" 
³⁸Mary said, "I am the LORD'S servant! Let it happen as you have said." And the angel left her. 

Prayer

Lord, help us to understand the love you have for Mary.  Help us to understand that your love for her is a reflection of the love you have for each of us.  May we look at Mary not only as as example, but also as a caring mother who longs to bring us close to you.  Amen.