Considering Mary’s Response to God’s Call – Br. David Vryhof

SSJE

Br. David Vryhof

Isaiah 11:1-10
Luke 1: 26-38

Common of the Incarnation

It has been the custom in monasteries such as ours to honor Mary, the Mother of our Lord, on the Saturdays in Ordinary Time between the seasons of Pentecost and Advent. Mary’s example – particularly the graciousness, generosity and humility with which she responds to God’s call – has been an inspiration to monastics throughout the ages, and to all who have sensed that God is summoning them to a particular task or way of being in the world.

The call that comes to Mary is a daunting one. God promises, through the angel Gabriel, to bless her with a son, who “will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High,” and through whom God’s people will be established forever. This, despite the fact that she is a virgin. Remarkably, she accepts the intervention and the promise with openness and trust, and responds with those familiar words, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).

I suspect we would all like to think that when God calls us to some special task we would respond as Mary did, saying, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord…” But we know that we are also capable of turning away, of delaying our answer, of looking for a way out. We see our best selves responding with openness and generosity, but we know also that selfish side of ourselves that loves to have its own way and doesn’t like being moved out of its comfort zone. And sometimes, if the truth be told, the call is, well, daunting, and we just don’t see how we can do it.

We’re not alone in this. Consider the reluctance of Moses, who responded to God’s call by insisting that he was not the right man to appear before Pharaoh (Exodus 3:11). Or think of Jeremiah who, when God called him, protested that he was too young and inexperienced to be a prophet (Jeremiah 1:6). Or Jonah, who hopped on a ship headed in the opposite direction from where God had called him to go (Jonah 1:1-3). Or even Mary, whom we remember today, whose initial response to the angel’s message was “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34). We, too, may feel overwhelmed or afraid or unqualified in the face of God is asking us to do. We may be tempted to turn away, to go our own way, or to look for a way out.

God’s response to our fear and anxiety is always the same. To Moses, God says, “I will be with you” (Ex 3:12). To Jeremiah, God says, “Be not afraid…I have put my words in your mouth” (Jer 1:7-10). To Mary, God offers comfort and assurance, saying, “Do not be afraid… The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Lk 1:30, 35). In like manner, God says to us, “Do not be afraid. I will be your strength in weakness. The work is mine; I will do this work in and through you.”

Whatever this season of life is bringing you; whatever challenges it puts before you; whatever God is asking of you now – God is with you; God’s power is available to you; God has promised to do God’s work in and through you. Keep in mind that the work is God’s. Your job is not to be successful, but to be faithful. “Do not be afraid.” Put your trust in God.