ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD
Unannounced, an angel appears, bearing a special message. In everyday language it would be something like this: “Mary, there is something special for you to do. God hopes you will say yes. God knows you are ready for it.” There was a short conversation before the answer could be spoken; a point of confusion and concern was addressed. Lucky for us, her answer was “Yes.”
Because of that yes, the event is honoured as a solemnity. It is a feast day of the highest importance in our Catholic Church. It is a liturgical commemoration of a fundamental event in salvation history. Mary’s “yes” is foundational to our very lives as followers of Christ.
Unmarried and unsure, Mary somehow had the wisdom and the strength to speak that “yes” aloud. This very young woman saw this invitation as holy. She knew it was of God. She knew to whom she was saying her “yes.”
That solid sense of “knowing” is what allowed her to live with trust. Life quickly became uncertain, and it was often that way. A mysterious pregnancy. A son who went missing, was discovered in the temple, and who offered a complex and confusing answer to her motherly worries.
That deep “inner knowing” gave Mary the confidence to invite Jesus to perform his first miracle. It fostered the strength that made it possible for her to stand at the foot of the cross. It gave her the grace-filled wisdom to continue with the apostles.
While life would have offered times of delight and joy, Mary’s journey also offered some excruciatingly pain-filled times. How was she able to remain faithful?
Perhaps a good part of the answer is found in Mary’s ability to ponder. While we cannot possibly and fully understand everything, that small and simple word is quietly offered to us. Pondering things in one’s heart is so vastly different from worrying.
When we worry, we are in our head. We work out all the possibilities; we consider all the things that could go wrong. We measure out the probability of disaster and can be quite devastated at the very thought of everything that could go wrong. While care and attention can keep us safe, worry invites darkness, doubt, despair and dread to take up residence.
Pondering is different.
It takes us into our hearts.
It invites us into a deeper way of knowing.
There was another gift offered in that most unusual encounter: the information that Mary’s cousin Elizabeth was expecting a baby. Old and long considered barren, Elizabeth’s pregnancy was a solid sign that something mysterious and grace-filled was happening.
When Mary learned of that good news, she was reminded that “nothing will be impossible with God.” With that assurance, Mary gave her “yes.”
I dearly wish I could recall the author who served as source of the wisdom which I offer with deep and abiding gratitude. We are encouraged to trust that God will always give us an “Elizabeth” when we are asked to do something new. In some way, we will receive the wisdom and encouragement of someone who is a “little more pregnant” than we are. Someone who is a little further along the road on the journey we are about to take. Most importantly, someone who will see the holiness of our invitation, and will affirm the blessedness God has instilled within us. An “Elizabeth” who will graciously support us, even if our task will one day be considered more noteworthy than theirs. Elizabeth’s warm welcome and her simple humility are worthy of imitation.
When an angel visits and presents a daunting and impossible task, may we see the loving-kindness held in the wisdom of God. With quiet confidence, may we say “yes” to our unique invitation. Whether we are an “angel” bearing the invitation, or “Mary” or “Elizabeth,” may we all be filled with grace in these blessed and holy moments.
Brenda Merk Hildebrand has a deep passion for lifelong learning, education, and spiritual and palliative care. She appreciates the opportunities that have come her way to share life’s transforming journey with others: one-with-one, through intentional group settings, in animating workshops and retreats, and by way of her writing. Brenda is a long-time contributor to Living with Christ.
