4 Sunday  Advent  B.

I was celebrating Mass in the Nursing Home for Our Lady’s Day, 8^th December. I wondered what to say. One feels inadequate, like mediocrity speaking to perfection. A little voice prompted...What does Mary Our Mother mean to you, Liam? What’s your image?

I thought of Paddy the Irishman, a farmer who went to Heaven. He carried in his fist clay from the auld country. Peter met him at the gate. Peter explained to Paddy that you can’t enter  Heaven with your fist closed. We must have open hands when we meet God. Paddy refused to open his fist and leave the clay. Peter said ..’Hold on there, and I will have a word with The Blessed Mother herself.

Mary said ’You know Peter, Paddy has a lovely little grandchild here with the angels. She died very young. We will bring the little grandchild to meet Paddy. When Paddy saw his grandchild, his heart jumped with joy. He flung open his arms with a big hug. He forgot all about the clay that fell out of his fist.

I think of Mary that way. She is always interceding for us. People are always asking for a prayer of help. I like to light a candle, and pass all the requests on to Mary. She really knows how to pray for us. She prays to keep us from danger. She prays that we will make our homes places of love and welcome this Christmas.

Liam Hickey St. Ciarans Hartstown Dublin 15.

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