For the feast of the Immaculate Conception today we have the Gospel telling of the Annunciation. We have been pondering this particular mystery a lot lately and its easy to let the familiar lines wash over us.
But what if the request made of Mary, that changed her life as well as the trajectory of the universe, were also a request of us? What if God is asking something of us too? Maybe there's a plan for us?
In reading and pondering today's Gospel we see again what we have reflected on in this month's third Book of Life presentation. Mary was fully open and fully obedient to God. Her seeking for clarification wasn't distrust or fear. Surely the fact that we have her question recorded for us to read today shows that Mary was a woman who was used to prayer and used to dialoguing with God - in the same way as we see in many men of the Old Testament. Mary was quite ready to speak up and ask her question - because she was used to speaking to God and conversing with Him. She doesn't question the plan or argue, she is going to say yes anyway, we know that!
How do we normally relate to God? Do we dialogue? Mary was open not only to God's will but to the fact that He was interested in her life. It was no surprise to Mary that He could and would make a request of her and that He would make His actions known in her world. She was always in an ongoing dialogue with God.
Mary was steeped in the Scriptures and knew the ways of the Father. As the handmaid of the Lord she was immersed in His ways and knew how He could act. Mary trusts that God loves her and wants the best for her. She relates to Him from a full heart, a place of abundance, rather than fear - knowing God will protect her and that all He asks of her will be for her good. Mary trusts that God has a plan for her life.
Do we really trust that God has a plan for our lives? Do we come with full hearts, without fear? Do we expect to be blessed and loved or are we often just waiting to be judged and chastised?
Though outwardly the plan would appear to be one destined to cause her ruin, pain and only suffering, Mary says yes! Shew steps out on faith but maybe not blind faith. This is the faith of someone who really knows the persopn she is putting her trust in. She deeply trusts the One she is risking her life with, the One who is asking her life of her. This isn't a teenage dare or flighty scheme - rather a mature, free stepping out and full choice to live.
God also has a plan for us - for today, this week and this life. Do we really trust Him for that? We need to be able to attune our heart to listen and hear His plan for us. We can often spend a lot of time asking God to bless our plans and making requests for our lives. What if we were to spend some time asking Him what His plan is for us? One thing we can be sure of: God has a good and holy plan for us!
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