Espousal of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Jan 23 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr. Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 23, 2024, where he highlights the spiritual intimacy and free-will union in the marriage of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, encouraging the faithful to seek similar depth in their relationships and to connect with Mary through the rosary.

Father's homily for the Feast of the Espousal of the Blessed Virgin Mary focuses on the sanctity of marriage and the sacredness of family, relating these concepts to the marriage of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. He reflects on the Latin origins of "espousal," linking it to free will, and emphasizes that Mary and Joseph's marriage was a union of wills and hearts, despite lacking physical intimacy. This spiritual intimacy is deemed essential for the strength of a marriage.

Father discusses Our Lady's acceptance of God's will, aligning her free will with His, as seen in her response to the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:34 - "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?34. He also mentions the importance of spiritual intimacy in marriage, superior to physical and emotional intimacies.

Father encourages the faithful to emulate the relationship of Mary and Joseph by cultivating deep emotional and spiritual intimacy in their relationships. He suggests praying the rosary as a way to connect with Mary, referencing Pope St. John Paul II's apostolic exhortation, Rosarium Virginis Mariae. Furthermore, Father cites Isaiah 41:13 - "For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'" - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/41?13, to illustrate God's guidance and support.

Ave Maria!

Mass:  Espousal of BVM with Joseph - Opt Mem
Readings:  - Holy Mary, the New Eve
1st: rev 21:1-5
Resp: isa 61:10-11: 62:2-3
Gsp: luk 1:26-38

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=2180

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