He cares for us, too

Wednesday was the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, so I'm a few days late in blogging this.  Better late than never, though, I suppose.  Some days just don't have enough hours.

I have never been a big "Mary person,"  but this past year - past six months, really - I have developed quite an affection for her.  It's been a work in progress and a great blessing.

My older son and I attended the anticipated Mass for the feast on Tuesday.  I was a little disappointed that the church was only slightly more crowded than a regular daily Mass.  My kids don't balk at coming to Mass - although I know there were other places my 15 year old would have rather been.  A mostly empty church tells them that most people (the ones that are there on Sundays) don't value these Holy Days of Obligation very much, even if their mother does.

My personal little rant.  That's when the "Body of Christ" figures into the whole deal.  Kind of the "takes a village" mentality (which I generally don't care for).

Our homily was about the great things God did in Mary's life.  How He cared so much for her and was so intimately involved even before her conception.  But guess what?  He cares just as much for us and wants to do the same things in our lives.

The next morning, before school, I stopped by the church near my school to spend some quiet time.  I haven't done that in quite a while.  As I was about ready to leave, my co-worker friend came in while I was there.  We prayed for a bit, and then left, taking a moment in the parking lot to chat.  It was too cold to chat for long, though.

When my kids are not in the car - because they usually adjust the station to their tastes - I listen to KLOVE, which is a nice Christian Station.  I like their music, but I think it's fair to say that many of their staff and listeners wouldn't quite share the Catholic level of devotion to the Blessed Mother.  Anyway, as I started my car, I heard the announcer say, "...... 'Wow God!' story.  What God did in Mary's life, He wants to do in all of our lives!"  I can only guess that a listener - coincidentally (?) named Mary had called in and shared something amazing that God had done in her life.    Thought that was cool.

Wanted to share this bit of music.  I heard it twice on Tuesday - once at our retreat, and then again as the offertory song at Mass.  Go ahead and sing along with John Michael when he gets to the Holy....Holy....Holy is His name.... even if you can't sing.  I could listen again and again.....