Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Today's Mass Readings

Mary beautifully shows us what it looks like to be open to God’s plan and to participate God’s plan of salvation. But, let’s take a step back and consider the ways we resist following God’s plan. First, we have to ask ourselves honestly: Am I open to following God’s will or am I still intent on seeking what I want? There are many ways we fool ourselves, imagining our holy intentions, but in reality, still uninterested in doing anything different than what we had planned to do at the outset.

When we are praying consistently, the struggle that often emerges is to grow impatient with oneself and with God. I’ve heard numerous people express their frustration: I’m listening…why won’t God just tell me what He wants? Seeing a lack of results or receiving no clear response can be particularly frustrating, especially for us who are used to immediate results and obtaining information instantaneously.

The battle is reconciling the difference between God’s plan and timing, and our own plan and timing. St. Paul wrote, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption.” The Annunciation to Mary begins this “fullness of time”—a time of fulfillment of God’s promises and preparations—and from the time God called a Chosen People to the coming of the Messiah, it was a fairly long time of preparation. But, God in His supreme goodness and wisdom to desired to affect the redemption of the world by sending His Son, born of a woman—God had a plan—God had the timing.

Despite the specifics and certitude that we often want in prayer, Mary did not require a detailed plan or even the assurance of success—Mary simply offered her response of cooperation to God’s plan: “May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary uttered this “yes” in faith—she entrusted herself to God without reserve and “devoted herself totally as the handmaid of the Lord.”

Think about how often our response to God differs from Mary’s. It can be rather humbling (if not embarrassing) to think how our response looks more like bargaining with God (I’ll do that, if you give me this), or it’s a “yes, with the condition if it fits in with my plans”, or “so long as it doesn’t disrupt my life too much.” In contrast, Mary was willing to let her life be changed—she welcomed the change in faith. Mary freely and actively embraces God’s invitation to bear the Messiah. It is more than mere passive acceptance. Rather, the text indicates that she wishes or desires to fulfill God’s will in her life. Let’s learn from Mary what it means to respond to God or to situations in our life. It is precisely in times of uncertainty that we need to “go to Mary,” praying the Rosary often and calling upon her intercession—desiring a receptive heart like hers.

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB