Today's Gospel reading reminds us of the beautiful gesture of commitment, faith, and obedience our Blessed Mother Mary gave us all. Her “Yes” to God gave way to the birth of the one who would love us all so much that he took death on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins and allowed us to one day join Him in eternal paradise. But her “Yes” was not easy, as Mary was unsure and scared of how this could be, given that she had not had relations with a man. The angel Gabriel’s response of the Holy Spirit coming upon her gave clarity of what God was asking of her, and in her purity and humbleness, she proclaims herself as the “handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
Mary’s gift of life is a wonderful example for us as Christians to be willing to open ourselves to give to those in need of love, care, and affection, our unjudging, compassionate heart. Mary’s “Yes” did not come without challenges and suffering: she would be with child, while betrothed to Joseph, her husband; she would travel and give birth to Jesus in a stable, when there was no room in the inns to take Joseph and her in, and then having to flee from Bethlehem to Egypt to protect Jesus from the harm of King Herod. Although all these instances brought stress, anxiety, and the unknown, Mary stayed true to the care of Jesus and her husband Joseph. Her humility and grace never wavered, never giving way to doubt or uncertainty.
So today, let us take a moment to reflect on what our own “Yes” to God will be this Advent season. Can we seek those in need of comfort because they are suffering through a time of hardship, and be the caring, humble heart of Mary to lift their spirits? Can we be like Mother Seton, who said, “sufferings are the ties, the bands, which fasten and unite us to our Dearest.” Let us be the bands that assist the downtrodden and help them see the light of grace and mercy that only Christ can give.
