# The divine maternity of Mary
*2015-03-28*

> Bill Young reflects on the sixth privilege of the devotion of the 12 Stars, focusing on Mary's role as the Mother of God.

## The Call of the Virgin

In this reflection on the sixth privilege, we look at the divine maternity of Mary. As recorded in Luke 1:31, the angel announced to her, 'And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.' This fulfillment of prophecy is echoed in Isaiah 11:1, which tells us that 'There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.'

## Consecrated by the Holy Spirit

At the great moment in which the Word became flesh in Mary, her blessed soul and all her being remained overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, who consecrated her as the Mother of God. In this state of ecstasy, she was filled with the happiness of the Father and enriched with the joy of being a mother.

## A Prayer for Obedience

Turning to Mary as the Mother of the Word, we ask her to prepare us to accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through her intercession, we seek to become more similar to Jesus and to be obedient sons of the Church.

*May the most holy Trinity be blessed, praised, and thanked for the graces granted to the Virgin Mary.*