“In God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.”
Often, when on holiday in Roman Catholic countries, we have been caught out by the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 15th of August. Everything closes for the holiday! Most importantly for us it was the banks closing, before ATMs, and we needed money. In the Protestant church she barely gets a mention, except at Christmas, let alone a holiday. Sometimes we think the Catholics rather overdo Mary, and the Catholics think we ignore her.
The story of the annunciation is awesome, with Mary’s willing response and the Magnificat, and the Incarnation and birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. These events were foretold in the Old Testament. God’s sign: Isaiah 7:11-16 “therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: the maiden is with child, and she will bear a son, and will call his name Immanuel”. So, the saviour of the world was born of a woman and therefore Jesus is all human and all divine. Earth was joined to heaven in Mary’s womb and Mary had a unique relationship with all three persons of the Trinity. Many icons, paintings, sculptures and stained glass windows picture Jesus with his mother, telling stories from the gospels.
It is fitting that in August we also remember and celebrate the life of another Mary. Our founder of the Mothers’ Union, Mary Sumner who, through her deep faith, followed her calling to encourage family life in her parish and supporting mothers in their role of developing the faith of their children. From that small beginning a World Wide Organisation has developed that has the same message, supporting mothers and families in faith.
“All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for thee; and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breath, or the life I live.” Amen.
Intercessions
6th August: The transfiguration of our Lord: Father in heaven, whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain, and spoke of the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem: give us strength so to hear his voice and bear our cross that in the world to come we may see him as he is; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
9th August: Mary Sumner Day: Lord of all, we give thanks for the far-reaching vision of our founder, Mary Sumner. We look back with praise and gratitude for her witness and the way she has inspired so many people. Our members worldwide have been beacons of hope for their communities, both with prayer and practical help, bringing joy and reflecting the love of our Saviour Jesus Christ. We pray that we will be able to continue her vision, ensuring that the Mothers’ Union will flourish and grow as we unite to be helping hands across the world. Amen.
15th August: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Almighty God, who looked upon the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary and chose her to be the mother of your only Son: grant that we who are redeemed by his blood may share with her in the glory of your eternal kingdom. Amen
24th August: St. Bartholomew: Almight and everlasting God, who gave your apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your word: grant that your Church may love that word which he believed and may faithfully preach and receive the same; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
A prayer for all using our Holiday Home: Dear Lord, we pray for all who are using our Holiday Home at Rockley Park, we pray they will find peace, relaxation and we pray they may return home refreshed and rested. Amen.
Prayers for those in need of Prayer: Ann Cowburn and her family, Jean Downham and her family, Jocelyn and Clive and their family, Mark, Angela, Jo, John, Stephen and the Revd. Harry and Mrs. Sheila Chapman who is very frail after a bad fall.