# Day 4 of the Immaculate Conception Novena: Mary, the Mother Who Hears God’s Word
*2008-12-01*

> Bill Young reflects on the fourth day of the novena to the Immaculate Conception, focusing on Mary’s role as the one who truly hears and keeps God’s Word, and offers a brief meditation and prayer.

## Opening Prayer and Creed

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. We begin in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, come to my aid; O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

We recite the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth… I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord… I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.”

## Scripture Reflection: Mary the One Who Hears

Today’s theme is “Mary, the mother who hears the Word of God,” drawn from Luke’s Gospel. As Jesus taught, a woman in the crowd exclaimed, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that feed you.” He replied, “More blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.”

We chant responsively: “The Lord chose her before she was born… He made her dwell in His own house.” This reminds us that Mary’s hearing was a divine election, a readiness to receive God’s call.

## Meditation on Listening

The proclamation of God’s law begins with “Hear, O Israel.” To hear is to be fully attentive, like ears that are always open to even the quietest sounds. True listening requires silence—stopping our own chatter to become aware that God is speaking.

Mary exemplifies this silence. Free from sin, she is a clean slate on which God may write. Through hearing God’s Word, she accomplished works pleasing to the Father, bearing fruit for eternity. When we imitate her attentive heart, we open ourselves to grace and become channels of that same grace to others.

## Prayer to the Immaculate Virgin

Let us pause in silent meditation, then pray:

“I greet you, O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Daughter of the Eternal Father; grant me purity of thought.
I greet you, Mother of the Eternal Word; grant me purity of speech.
I greet you, Spouse of the Holy Spirit; grant me purity of action.
Conceived without sin, pray for us who turn to you, for those who have not yet, for the trials of the Holy Church, and for all who entrust themselves to your care.”

*By learning from Mary’s attentive listening, we open our hearts to God’s Word and become instruments of His grace.*