The Faith of One Woman (12/10/2024)

This morning, as I sat down at my desk, the small oval picture of the Madonna and Child on my desk top caught my attention and held it for quite some time. As I stared at the image, it hit me how the faith of one woman lived out boldly yet quietly has impacted the whole of humanity. And suddenly, the expression “What difference does it make?” took on a whole new meaning for me.

Indeed, “What difference does it make” that Mary trusted in the LORD even though what she was being asked to do seemed impossible. The difference began with her “yes” in spite of her lack of understanding. She must have been frightened somewhat. She must have had questions. She must have worried a bit if not a lot. And yet she said, “Yes.” And I found myself praying to the LORD to send the Spirit to awaken in me the courage to utter such an all encompassing surrender to the LORD’s call to me. “Yes,”

Mary’s role is unique, but she calls us to understand her “Yes” and agree to carry Christ to others. It won’t always be easy. It will be frightening at times. We won’t have all the answers. It will require faith, hope and a great deal of love. As Christians, as individuals who yoke ourselves to Jesus Christ as our Savior and LORD, wherever we go, whatever we do, Christ’s presence with us should be visible.

As we commit to prepare for the coming of Christ, let us also commit to uttering with our whole being a “Yes” to our LORD. Let us remember His words, “Without me, you can do nothing.” Let us open ourselves to the vocation of being Christ bearers to the world in which we live. Let us open ourselves to seeing those whom we encounter as Christ sees them and to love them as Christ loves them. Let us be willing to do what is right and righteous regardless of the perceptions and judgments of others.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.