The Angelus Prayer- A Reminder of Mary's 'Yes'

12/23/2008 Zenit News Agency (www.zenit.org)

The Holy Father invited the faithful to "gaze upon the ineffable mystery that Mary carried for nine months in her virginal womb: the mystery of God who becomes man."

VATICAN CITY (Zenit) - Upon praying the Angelus, one relives the moment of Mary's "yes," says Benedict XVI.

The Pope reflected on the prayer of the Angelus before reciting the Marian prayer together with those gathered in St. Peter's Square.

He noted that today's Gospel is Luke's account of the Annunciation, "the mystery to which we return every day in reciting the Angelus."

"This prayer allows us to relive the decisive moment when God knocked at Mary's heart and, having received her 'yes,' began to take flesh in her and from her," The Pontiff said.

Benedict XVI also noted that the collect prayer of today's Mass is the same prayer that is recited at the end of the Angelus: "Lord, fill our hearts with your love, and as you revealed to us by an angels the coming of your Son as man, so lead through his suffering and death to the glory of his resurrection."

As Christmas approaches, the Holy Father invited the faithful to "gaze upon the ineffable mystery that Mary carried for nine months in her virginal womb: the mystery of God who becomes man."

He also urged the contemplation of "Mary and Jesus, who await the birth of Jesus, and learn from them the secret of recollection for tasting the joy of Christmas."

"Let us prepare to welcome with faith the Redeemer who comes to be with us," he added, "the Word of God's love for humanity of every age."