The Word was made flesh In a lyrical, exquisitely beautiful portrayal of that moment when the Blessed Virgin conceived, Fr. Frederick Faber tells how, beyond all expectations, “the creature has added a fresh liberty to the Creator.” That Mary should have any choice at all is a complete revelation of God in itself. How a creature so encompassed and cloistered in grace could have been free in any sense to do what was less pleasing to God is a mystery that... Read more
Let it be to me according to your word St. John of Damascus ponders the intentions behind Mary’s words to Gabriel at the Annunciation. “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you” (Lk 1:28). Mary considered what this greeting might mean. Then the angel said to her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Lk 1:30). In fact, she who was wor- thy of grace had found it. She found grace, the one who... Read more
God waited for Mary’s consent When Gabriel announced that Mary had been chosen to bear God’s Son, did she really have a choice in the matter? Fr. Frederick W. Faber considers the matter. Mary’s created spirit was busied in adoration when the Uncreated came, and took his Flesh and Blood, and dwelt within her. Yet his coming was not abrupt. He sent his messenger before he came himself. But what is the special purpose for which the messenger has come? To... Read more
Christopher Villiers is a British theologian and freelance writer who has written about religious matters for a wide variety of publications, both academic and popular. He holds the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Theology from Durham University, United Kingdom, with a specialization in the history of Christian doctrine. His postgraduate thesis addressed the Divine impassibility in the theology of Saint Cyril of Alexandria, with reference to modern theological debates on divine impassibility deriving from biblical, historical and philosophical scholarship. Villiers is a... Read more
Why did Gabriel’s words trouble Mary? St. Alphonsus considers the various possible reasons why the angelic greeting to Our Lady would have troubled her. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles him- self will be exalted” (Mt 23:12). These are the words of our Lord, and they can- not fail. When God determined to become man, he had to choose a mother on earth, and he sought among women for the one who was not just the most... Read more
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord!” St. Alphonsus finds in Mary’s response to the angelic greeting an expression of her great humility. Let’s consider the great humility of the Blessed Virgin in her answer to the angel Gabriel. She was fully enlightened as to the greatness of the dignity of a Mother of God. She had already been assured by the angel that she was this happy mother chosen by our Lord. But with all this, she in no way... Read more
Blessed is the fruit of your womb! St. Thomas Aquinas carefully examines, in his usual systematic way, the meaning of St. Elizabeth’s declaration: “Blessed is the fruit of your womb!” The sinner sometimes seeks in a thing what he cannot obtain there, while the righteous man obtains it. Thus Eve sought in the fruit, but did not find there, all the things that she desired. But the Blessed Virgin finds in her fruit, Jesus, everything that Eve desired. For Eve... Read more
This week Hope and Life Press sponsors their first CBB giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a copy of Sonnets from the Spirit by Christopher Villiers (you can read the review here) . I use Rafflecopter to run my giveaways which makes it simple for you and me! Enter below. The contest starts at midnight tonight EST and will end 12AM EST Friday 02/12 with a winner being announced later that day. Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway Read more
Mary, you have found grace With a keen attention to detail, St. Albert the Great notes carefully the impor- tance of the angel’s declaration that Mary had “found” grace with God (see Lk 1:30). “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” For behold, Mary, you have found grace, you have not taken it as Lucifer tried to do. You have found grace, you have not lost it as Adam did. You have found favor with... Read more
I recently had the opportunity to read a book I normally wouldn’t read. So goes the life of a book reviewer! I am glad I was afforded this opportunity and hope you do the sane. The book Sonnets from the Spirit is a masterfully written collection of poetry by Christopher Villiers and one like no other. The book consists of fifty-two poems based upon major and familiar events from Sacred Scripture. Christopher utilizes the ancient practice of midrash in this book... Read more
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