Dear Parishioners,
May is Mary’s month. The weather has been pleasant, sunny, and warm. I imagine it to be like Mary’s disposition. When I think of Mary, I recall her “Yes” to the angel of God. Yes to being the mother of our Lord. Yes to a life she was probably not expecting. Yes to a major role in the history of the world. Yes to her contribution to the life of her son. Mary’s humanity was given freely to Jesus. His love and mercy, his self-giving spirit, his obedience to the Father—all these reflect also the disposition of his mother.
How can we judge our own “Yes” in faith compared to Mary’s? I have said yes to marriage, probably not really knowing what I was getting into. I said yes to having kids, again not knowing the full life-changing decision that would be. I was ignorant but hopeful, willing to take the risk tempered by optimism. I said yes to the deaconate, not really knowing how I would be changed by the journey but open to God’s hand in my life. These pale to the enormity of Mary’s yes. Her yes further opened the door to God’s intervention and revelation in this world. Her yes was not the whole of it, but it began the revelation of God in earnest.
The birth of Christ was given a place, a time, a family and a person in Mary. Like the gears of a huge clock turning through the years, churning through the centuries, Mary’s yes was the clock striking the significant hour that resounded through the universe. God’s plan was made real. It stood on the simple yes of a very young woman whose assent flung open the movement of God’s goodness and love. The spirit was released and rested upon her, sending grace into her life in a way not seen before. Mary, Mother of God, how can we thank you, how can we love you, how can we adore you enough? This month of Mary, let us contemplate the ways we can fashion our yes to God after hers. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
“Never be afraid of loving Mary too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”
- St. Maximilian Kolbe
