Here is part of our Old Testament reading, from Ecclesiasticus: ‘He whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds. The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord’.

These words recall Psalm 27: ‘Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! Thou hast said, “Seek ye my face.” My heart says to thee, “Thy face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not thy face from me. Turn not thy servant away in anger, thou who hast been my help. Cast me not off, forsake me not, O God of my salvation!’

We come in all humility before the Lord, as did Mary, upon whose lowliness the Lord looked with joy. May your prayer too pierce the clouds, and may you know abundant blessing from the Lord this day.