Celebrating Mary in May
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38
These words were Mary’s faith-filled response to the angel’s announcement of her son’s miraculous birth. The angel never explained in detail how this was to take place. How do you fully explain a virgin birth? But Mary needed no detailed explanation. It was enough that the promise was made. Moved by God’s grace, Mary chose to respond with loving faith to the plan God had laid out for her, a plan she did not fully understand.
We can apply Mary’s experience to our lives. God promises to be with us when the events of our lives carry us beyond our ability to understand them. In those circumstances, God gives us the courage to walk with faith, and to believe that our trust in him will ultimately bring us peace of mind and heart. God will certainly give this gift to all who pray for it, for without faith, our lives can have no meaning or joy.
Lord, strengthen my faith. May I trust as Mary did, relying on your guidance to lead me over pathways I do not quite understand.
Fr. Kenneth Grabner, C.S.C.
Originally published December 12, 2008
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
