A full fourth week we have this year. Seven more days to hope, to wait, to rejoice, to love.  Anticipation is building for the arrival of Our King and Saviour.  And today, we see the faith and trust, true acceptance of God's will, in the Blessed Virgin Mary.  'Let it be done unto me'.  Can we say that?  I can't..yet I have a son who has placed his life in trust with the Marines.  He also trusts that this is God's will.  Like Mary, I kissed his little toes and hands, the top of his head...I nursed him...and now I am very proud of him for serving his country.

Mothers around the world, love their babies and young children. We all do have a small piece of Mary's trust when we let our sons and daughters leave home for their own lives.  It could not have been at all easy for Mary knowing who her son was.  It isn't easy for me [or you] to believe they will be safe in today's world.

There is a novena prayer for Advent.  It is St. Andrew's novena, which tradition says you say this prayer 15 times a day  until Christmas. It started three weeks ago..I have not been able to pray this 15 times a day [once a waking hour?] But I like the prayer's message...and I say it for my son Bryan...to keep him safe.

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which

the Son of God was born of the most pure

Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing

cold.  In that hour vouchsafe, O my God - To hear 

my prayer and grant my desires, through the 

merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of 

His Blessed Mother. AMEN

May we all have a wonderful week preparing for great joy and love!