Tuesday, August 15, 2006 Meditation 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 Imagine how deep is the relationship between Mary and her Sonand the example she is for all of us. To prepare her for her role as Mother of God, God freed her from the stain of original sin at her conception and laid on her heart an unswerving desire to love him and his people. Faithful to the end, she was even given a special participation in Jesus resurrection when, at the close of her life, she was assumed body and soul into heaven. Imagineeven after her earthly life came to a close, Mary continued to be our greatest example of the Christian life. Just as she took part in Jesus struggle with Satan, so too did she share in his triumph over death. She is the first Christian to experience what is destined for all Christiansto stand as a new creation before the throne of God and to share fully in his divine life. Marys place in heaven now is a sign of hope to all of us who await our share in the resurrection when Jesus returns. We too will reign with Christ. We too will gaze face to face upon the beauty of God. We too will be surrounded by the heavenly host in all their glory and majestywe will even outshine the angels because of our union with Christ. This is our hope. This is our heritage in Christ. This is what we all have to look forward to. Today, as we aim at the goal that Mary has already attained, let us seek to live the kind of life she lived. Washed clean in the waters of baptism, let us reject sin and accept Jesus. Filled with the same Spirit that overshadowed Mary, let us embrace the power of the Spirit as we live by faith today. Encouraged by Marys assumption, let us keep our focus on loving and serving Jesus as we await his glorious return. Like Mary, let us magnify the Lord and say yes to whatever he asks us to do. Lord Jesus, we pray for all those who do not yet hope for the resurrection. May each person come to know that the reason we have been created is to live with you for all eternity. Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6,10; Psalm 45:10-12,16; Luke 1:39-56 |
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