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Mary’s YES: The Way of Transformation

Mary’s YES: The Way of Transformation

Return to the Church  |  Seasonal Reflections

What’s wrong with us? What went wrong in human history? Advent is a time to ponder and to wonder about our world that is so problematic, yet so important to the Lord that He himself comes to save it!

The Lord tells us through the prophet Isaiah:

“I, your God, teach you what is for your good. If you harken to my commands your prosperity would be like a river.”

Following the Lord’s Way and being good in fact is what makes us happy and goes well for us - Yet history shows humanity so often going in the other direction! Jesus says, “We played the flute for you and you did not dance …”

We need to recognize that the injustice and violence we see all around us starts in our hearts and so really shouldn’t surprise us.

Is there no end? No way out?

Three days ago, we celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is not by accident that it falls during Advent, so we can understand better how the Lord means to save us and to change us! Mary shows us true humility … courage and authenticity simply to be herself, child of the Father, saying YES to HIM so He could give her all He desired for her.

At Christmas as we celebrate the coming of the Savior, we affirm new possibility. Salvation has come and He wants to come to US!

In a fundamental way, we need to remain in Mary’s humility, so with her we can open ourselves to GRACE! Christ has come to transform us! That happens as we consciously receive His love, and then day after day we do our part truly to let that grace change us and transform us.

Christmas is in two weeks. Holy Mother, help us to learn its lessons!


  • Father Jim's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 
  • To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EST, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)

About Father Jim Phalan, C.S.C.

Father James Phalan, C.S.C., is a Catholic priest, member of the Congregation of Holy Cross and the National Director of Family Rosary. He served as a missionary for many years travelling the globe to help people come to Jesus through Mary as part of the Family Rosary team. Now he is happy to be serving back at home in the USA!