Our Lady, Mother of Africa - Feast
Acts 1:12-14
Luke 1:26-38
Today is the last day of the month of April, and we are celebrating the feast of our Mother Mary , Queen of Africa as we are about to enter into the Marian month of May. In the gospel, we read the story of Mary and the Archangel Gabriel's appearance at the Annunciation. Mary accepted God's will completely and willingly. However, there were tough times ahead of her. She had to flee to Egypt together with her Son and her Most Chaste Spouse-St. Joseph, they will look for the child Jesus for three days in Jerusalem. There would be days when the wine would run out, and life seems empty and dry yet all fulfilled and leading to salvation. This is also the story of our lives, where challenges faces us at dusk and our salvation comes at dawn.
The Easter story is the story of our salvation. We all have a story to tell about our encounters with God and the challenges we face. It could be about the death of a loved one, the loss of a friendship or marriage, a search for love and acceptance, or a thirst for meaning and significance. Some may struggle with guilt, disappointments, rejection, or regrets. Others may fear what is or what might be, and still others may long for something they cannot name or describe. Most of us have experienced unanswered prayers, doubts, or questions, and some of us are still living those stories today. It is God pitching his tent in our midst and drawing us closer to Himself.
Our relationship with God, our inner life, and our way of being are the essential aspects of our lives, more than the circumstances outside of us. Christ transforms our lives and turns water into wine through the initiative and intercession of Mary. The Word of God was made flesh and dwells among us and that which is silent speaks volumes.
PRAYER
Let us pray with Mary, the Queen of Apostles, who stood with the Apostles in prayer as they waited for the gift of the Holy Spirit. May she remain the Queen of Africa, and through her maternal intercession, may Christ's glory be revealed, and we will shine with the radiance of his glory.
Happy Feast Day !
Amen. Happy Feast day to us as we celebrate the queen of Africa.
ReplyDeleteHappy Feast Day Padre
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