The solemnity of the Annunciation, usually celebrated on March 25, is kept today. Here is a reflection from Divine Intimacy by Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalen, OCD:The Angel's explanation does not prevent future events and circumstances from remaining hidden and obscure to Mary. She finds herself face to face with a mystery, a mystery which she knows intuitively to be rich in suffering; for she has learned from the Sacred Scriptures that the Redeemer will be a man of sorrows, sacrificed for the salvation of mankind. Therefore, the ineffable joy of the divine maternity is presented to her wrapped in a mystery of sorrow: to be willing to be the Mother of the Son of God means consenting to be the Mother of one condemned to death. Yet Mary accepts everything in her fiat: in the joy as well as in the sorrow of the mystery, she has but one simple answer: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord."
A lovely reflection from Fr. Gabriel.Often I've heard it said tough life experiences are likened to little crucifixions when accepted as learning processes and spiritual progression. Likewise every now and then we are presented with a little personal anunciation - God speaking to us through the Holy Spirit, and it is in these small moments of great grace that we too can say Yes, Lord, I hear You and I will do what pleases You, even though I do not fully understand what it is You are asking or where exactly it will lead. Mary's confidence becomes our inspiration, and her life our imitation.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Anonymous. That is sublime and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHearing God's call is sublime.....then comes the hard part.
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