Dear Our Lady of Assumption Parish Family,

 

The new era of salvation begins with the miraculous conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary. Her ” yes ” response is a model of faith for all believers; she was willing and eager to do God’s will even if it seemed impossible. Mary was and is full of grace because she trusted what God said was true and would be fulfilled. God became incarnate when He took on flesh in her womb. Every Sunday, when we pray the Nicene Creed, we state our confession of faith in this great mystery: “For us men and for our salvation, He came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit, He became incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.”

 

Faith and obedience are the keys that unlock the power and grace of God’s kingdom in our lives. We need to believe in the promises of God, even when faced with perplexing circumstances and what seem like insurmountable problems. God gives us grace and expects us to respond with willing obedience and heartfelt trust, as Mary did. When God commands, He also provides the help and means to respond. We can either yield to His grace or resist and go our own way. Believe in God’s promises of abundant life, mercy, and forgiveness through His son, Jesus Christ, yield to His grace, and believe as Mary did. 

 

Today starts the fourth week of Advent. We light the final candle, the Angel’s Candle, representing love. During this final week, reflect on the good news of God’s love: He has not left us alone but has brought us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. This is the last week to prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas. May your heart be filled with love during this final week of Advent.

 

Yours in Christ,

Father Edward Domme