— By Lisa Greey
Today we get to reflect on Mary, and appropriately so, because without her “yes” there would be no Christ, and no Christmas to celebrate next weekend. I would like to write about three aspects about Mary from a quote from Pope Benedict: “It is Mary who tells us what Advent is: going forth to meet the Lord who comes to meet us; waiting for Him, listening to Him, looking at Him.” Pope Benedict, Homily, December 10, 2006
Mary teaches us to wait for Christ. Have you ever had the sense of being made for something more? Perhaps when you were in the middle of a mundane task? I know I have! Mary definitely had a sense growing up that she was set apart for God, but she didn’t know why. She too experienced that ache of “What is my vocation?” or, “Who am I called to be in this world?” But Mary had to wait for the answer – or rather the question. See, our vocation is always a choice. God asks us – will you be a wife and mother? Will you be a doctor? Will you be a priest? Will you go to college here? Will you get involved at your Church more? From the big vocation questions to the important life decisions, big and small, God will always ask us and respect our free will. One thing that has always struck me about The Annunciation is that Mary asks the angel, “How can this be?” This has always comforted me in some way because it shows it is ok to ask God questions when he calls us to certain things. The practical points of how things happen are important. But Mary teaches us that even when God only reveals part of the plan, we can still say yes and trust to leave the details to him!
Mary teaches us to listen to Christ, particularly in the scriptures. We can see in the Magnificat that Mary is familiar with the word of God. She has pondered the Old Testament. She ponders the life of her son as it unfolds before her. Pondering is quite different from cramming for exams, or speed-reading for class. Pondering requires time, and quiet and peace.
Mary teaches us to look at Christ. While she was able to look at his actual person, we are able to look at Christ in the Eucharist. This is our fuel for the spiritual life. When we are running on empty – when we are stressed and frustrated and full of anxiety – we need to receive the Eucharist. She also teaches us to look at Christ in others. Mary saw Christ in everyone she encountered and she was willing to share him – when he was a little baby, when he started his ministry and when he died on the cross. Are we willing to share Jesus with others? Can we follow Mary’s example to ensure that no one is left out from knowing Christ, holding Christ, and hearing from Christ.
As we wrap our Christmas presents, decorate our trees (if they’re not decorated already), and bake Christmas cookies take a moment to reflect on what Mary teaches us about Advent, and see how she can prepare our hearts for Christmas.
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