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Monday, April 04, 2005 Meditation Luke 1:26-38 The Annunciation of the Lord A lot of people seem to be looking for secrets to help them achieve their goals in life. Bookstores carry a wide array of self-help publications. Radio and television talk shows remain popular as guests and listeners continue the search for success. Everyone seems to be searching. However, once we decide to seek God’s will in our lives, we don’t have to look too far for good advice. Scripture is filled with models of faith and discernment, and no model could be greater than the Virgin Mary. Luke describes four responses Mary gave to the angel’s invitation to become the Mother of God. First, she was troubled. Then she pondered what his words meant. Then she asked honest, sincere questions. Finally, she gave her “fiat,” or consent to God’s will. What a remarkable pattern we all can follow as we face difficult or challenging situations where we need to discern God’s will. Life is full of disturbing situations, and as Mary shows us, there is nothing wrong with being troubled or worried by what we think God is placing before us. Like the Blessed Mother, we too can take our challenges to prayer to see how these situations can help us grow in knowing God better and in following him more faithfully. Imagine, for instance, what might have happened if Mary had not taken the time—or had the courage—to ponder the angel’s words and ask him questions. It’s possible she would have been tempted to quit at the first sign of trouble. But because she pressed on—day after day, long after the angel’s visit—she was far better equipped to embrace her role, even when it put her family in danger. Pondering God’s call means that we meditate and dwell on the words of Scripture each day. It means trying to fix our eyes on Jesus in prayer so that we can hear his still, small voice. It means asking, seeking, and knocking on heaven’s door so that we can be filled with God’s wisdom and grace. In prayer today, let’s ask Mary to intercede for us. Let’s ask her to ask our Father to give us the same openness to his Spirit that she had throughout her life. “Lord, because you have chosen me, I want to echo Mary’s faithful response. Be it done to me according to your word.” Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10; Psalm 40:7-11; Hebrews 10:4-10 |
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