Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Luke 1:39-45
When Mary received the conception of Christ Jesus, she opened herself to 9months of a socially awkward pregnancy, gave birth for the first time in a dusty manure-strewn stable, with only her new husband in attendance, and was expected to share her new-born ‘special’ son with rough-house shepherds within hours of his birth. By giving birth to Jesus, Mary also signed up to stand at the foot of her son’s cross as he was crucified on false pretexts 33 years later – because she willingly became the mother of the Son of Man who was the Son of God. This was the favour that God extended to the Mother of God. How did Mary receive such favour from the Lord? Mary’s response was the phrase that echoes through the centuries and resounds in my own life, “Be it with me according to your word.” Will I complain or embrace Mary’s fiat when I encounter the Lord’s similar favour when I come up against uncomfortable circumstances, soaked as they are in God’s promises, in my life? Help me not to be afraid of your favour, Lord. Blessed is she who believed there would be fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord. (Luke 1:45) Christ does not force our will. He takes only what we give him. St. Teresa of Avila www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
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AuthorBeverly Illauq lives in Kemptville, Ontario, where she greets each morning by seeking the Gospel Mystery of the Day - the Word of the Lord for direct and practical application to the specific challenges & joys of the day. Archives
March 2024
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