But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be..."
Luke 1:34
“How can this be…”, Mary asked the angel. How, indeed! She was not yet married, had not had relations with a man. It was a very practical question. Mary’s way of responding to God was simple and direct, giving us a model for the way to be before God. “How can this be,” she asked humbly. She did not understand. Hearing the angel’s reply might not have added to her understanding, but she believed that God was to be trusted. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary shows us that understanding what God is requiring of us is not essential. What is necessary is trust, that deep confidence that God is present in our lives, in the big moments of decision and in the everyday choices we make. Such trust gave Mary the courage to say “Yes!” to God. Such trust gives us the courage to accept the reality of our lives, confident that the grace of God will sustain us. After all, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (Verse before the Gospel)
What is it that I do not understand, but can accept with God's grace today?
Mary, I want to say "Yes" as you did, wholeheartedly and with great trust. Show me how to do that this day. Amen
Today’s Reflection is by:
Sister Cathy Cahill, OSF
Did you know...
Sister Cathy Cahill, OSF, is a Franciscan Sister of Allegany who has been ministering in the diocese since 1989, primarily in retreat work and spiritual direction. She is a member of the community at St. Clare Convent in Tampa.
