<p>Originally published 12/8/2020:<br/><br/>The Immaculate Conception of Our Lady is a wonderful occasion for prayer.  Our Lady&apos;s special favor with God is a reflection of his generosity and love for us.  Bernadette of Lourdes&apos; encounter with Mary helps us to deal personally with our Lady as she truly is: a loving mother and a teacher of prayer.  </p>

Advent: Waiting with Impatient Patience

"Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while."  These words of Jesus Christ are an invitation to personal and intimate prayer.  The meditations offered in this podcast are intended to help the listener enter into his own prayerful relationship with God.  By reflecting on scenes from the Gospel, on other passages from Scripture, and on the insights of saints and spiritual writers, we can strengthen our faith in Jesus and our love for God.  In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, "I have called you my friends."  By regular meditation and dialogue with Our Lord in prayer, our life can be transformed into an ever deepening and loving friendship with God.