Daily Devotion to the Theotokos

 Twentieth Day of the Month

“And having arrived, they went into an upper room....And these all continued in prayer with the women and with Mary, the mother of Jesus...And suddenly there came a sound from heaven like unto a mighty, rushing wind...and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit....” (Acts 1:13-2:4)

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Who can measure the greatness of grace which Mary received? Who could comprehend the fullness of the Holy Spirit which dwelt in her?

She was born by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit came upon her as a child and led her into the temple. By His grace, she served the holiest place in the temple and the Holy Spirit strengthened her to prepare her in her vow of perpetual virginity. The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and completely filled her, purifying and strengthening her so that God the Word could take form in her womb.

Even though she is already “full of grace,” and has the fullness of the Holy Spirit dwelling within her, even more was added to her on the day of Pentecost. Mary was made higher than all humanity and raised above the angels. She became a vessel of grace filled to overflowing, so that all who live by faith can see it and receive of it.

Christian people, take time and prayerfully contemplate this wonder. If God bestowed such great and immeasurable grace upon one human being, think of the good things of the Holy Spirit which He has for each of us.

Orthodox people, should we not weep for sorrow when we think of the glory and the unspeakable peace and joy which we deny ourselves? Our sins form a barrier between us and the Holy Spirit. Our pride and refusal to obey God, deprives us of the gifts of grace. Our hearts should be bowed down in repentance, and we should look forward to each fast of the Church with anticipation, hoping that we may be able to open the door of our hearts to receive the heavenly treasures which have been prepared for us. The Most Pure and Holy Theotokos, who is full of grace, and a special chosen servant of God, is able to help us in this struggle, if we will only call on her in prayer, saying: