Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Monday, February 6, 2012

This week's class, the Annunciation: mirror of our life



In the previous week we focused on the profound joy that is be found in the Annunciation. This week we focused on how the Annunciation has elements of a miraculous birth but also of a vocation narrative. I want to spell out here the second part.

We can see in the Annunciation, a mirror for our own life. The Angel Gabriel presented to Mary first a greeting of joy and then an explanation of what God will do in her life. Our life is perhaps much more simple but nonetheless wonderful. Think about it, our life isn't always chosen by us but instead it comes to us new each day like an invisible angel that is presenting it to us as a gift. Every morning that we wake up, we don't choose the day and how it will come to us, rather, the day has already been chosen for us. It comes to us like a gift; it also comes to us as a challenge. Our life tells us: 'this is what will happen to you and this is who you are to become..."

It makes us ask the same questions that the Virgin Mary asks: "But how can this come about, since I do not know man?" We might ask: Who will I become? How will I accomplish all the things my hearts desires? How will I accomplish all the things that the hearts of others and God's heart desire for me? And notice that for all of us, God is merciful. He is not afraid of our questions, but we are often afraid of His answers! Gabriel explains to Mary and even offers her tangible signs that what he says is indeed from God. This has certainly been true in my life: I ask, God, 'How will I know that you will be there for me?' Time after time, the Father has shown me through signs and other people how his power will bring things about.

The answer is almost always the same as for Our Lady: "for nothing is impossible to God" This is where we need the help of Mary to say "let what you have said be done to me." Why is it so hard to say yes to Our Heavenly Father's will? Because we don't know what is truly in His Heart!! Who knows the heart of the Father as much as the Blessed Mother? She knew His heart so deeply, that she realize in the depths of her heart that He indeed was trustworthy. We run to the Blessed Mother because SHE first said yes to God's will and will give us the strength to say yes to the Father!