STEWARDS OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD
Novena in Honor of the Most Sweet Name of Mary Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica Hagatna, Guam 8th Day: September 5, 2008 Based on 1 Cor 4:1-5 / Lk 5:33-39 We are, as you know, deep into the year-long celebration in honor of St. Paul on the occasion of his 2000th birthday. A few days ago, I spoke to you about a particular harbor he landed on in the year 58 AD, in the island of Rhodes, Greece. The sight of it led me to reflect on how empowered he felt, and how that power had led him to do what was seemingly impossible by any standard. As I reflect on that empowerment, my thoughts also go to the woman, the first among the redeemed, Mary, who, on account of a direct intervention of the Spirit, conceived in her virginity and bore in her womb the Word made flesh. By her cooperation with God, she became for posterity, the Mother of grace, the Mother of God, both theotokos and Christotokos, God-bearer and Christ-bearer. The account of the annunciation merits being revisited time and ti...