Mary Consents to Become The Mother of God

“And Mary said: ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done unto me according to Thy word’” (Luke i, 28).

First Prelude: Remain near the Blessed Virgin and full of holy joy, in company with the angel, listen to the expression of her humble obedience.

Second Prelude: Obtain for me the grace, O holy Virgin, ever to fulfill the holy Will of God by faithful and cheerful obedience to the directions of my superiors, and exact observance of our Holy Rule.

First Point

“BEHOLD THE HANDMAID OF THE LORD”

With what exquisite delight did the angel receive Mary’s reply placed on her lips by the Holy Ghost: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord!” What profound humility lay concealed under these words! Surely, the Blessed Virgin, who was humble of heart, would have been guilty of no fault if, full of joy and exultation at the rare graces received, she had called herself a spouse of the Holy Spirit, a friend of God. The more the Most High overwhelmed her with favors the more did Mary immerse herself in admiration and praise of the Divine Goodness and Mercy, Who bestows choicest graces upon man, without any deserts on his part. Mary recognized in the profound abasement and boundless love of her God in the mystery of the Incarnation, persevered in loving admiration, and offered Him as most fitting homage, her own profound annihilation and humiliation.

The Holy Ghost, alone, could teach Mary to unite the most contradictory extremes. She believed firmly that she would become the Mother of God, and still called herself His handmaid. How can such utter abasement harmonize with so sublime a dignity? Oh, the depths of the wisdom of God! It teaches us to preserve humility even in the most exalted station, and, despite great merits, to regard ourselves but lightly and with contempt. God reveals His mysteries to the little and the humble. The more graces He confers on them and the more He blesses their labors, the less they are occupied with self, and the more they become absorbed in God. Oh, that we would learn the practice of sincere humility from our holy Mother! If she calls herself the handmaid of the Lord, must not we deem ourselves happy to be able to call ourselves servants of the poor and the ignorant? Should not we, therefore, sacrifice all to be in reality always and everywhere truly humble servants of the Lord?

Second Point

“BE IT DONE UNTO ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD”

These words are an indication of Mary’s perfect submission to the holy Will of God. At that moment Mary most probably, by divine intuition, foresaw the sufferings that should be her portion as Mother of God. From Holy Writ, she had learned of the sorrows that awaited her. Expounders of Scripture say that by consenting to become the Mother of God, Mary acquired more graces and merits than all creatures together should be able to merit. “Be it done unto me according to Thy Word!” What an excellent word for all servants of God, especially for religious! Can a more beautiful one be thought of? When the sound of the bell calls us to a duty, or we receive a commission from our superiors, let us cheerfully say: “Fiat!” in imitation of our dear Mother. “Be it done unto me according to Thy word,”—not according to my will, to self-love or personal comfort.

There are special moments in life when almighty God, by His loving inspirations or through the voice of our superiors, demands a sacrifice of us. As children of our heavenly Mother could we hesitate? Three times a day, Holy Mother Church asks us to repeat these words of our Blessed Mother. Let us always say them with full submission to the decrees of Divine Providence, and hold ourselves in readiness to repeat with our Blessed Mother, the “Fiat!” of perfect fidelity and love, should God in the course of the day, see fit to test our obedience.

Affections: O Mary, happy Virgin, thou callest thyself a handmaid but thou art also His Mother, His Spouse. Thou art a handmaid, but at the same time Queen of Angels. Thou art the servant most pleasing to God and the object of His tenderest love. Oh, obtain for me the grace always and everywhere to say with ardent love: Behold, O Lord, I am Thy handmaid, be it done unto me according to Thy word. Henceforth I will no longer close my ears to Thy holy inspirations. Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth! Thy servant is ready to do Thy will. But assist me with Thy grace, that I may perfectly fulfill, not only Thy commands, but even Thy slightest wish.

Resolution: I will obey cheerfully and readily, when called to a duty, be it by the voice of my superior or by the precepts of our Holy Rule.

Spiritual Bouquet: “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to Thy word!”

Prayer: Take, O Lord . . .

The Question of The Blessed Virgin and the Angel's Answer

 
“And Mary said to the angel: ‘How shall this be done?’ and the angel answering said to her: ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee, because no word shall be impossible with God’” (Luke 1, 34–37).

First Prelude: Reverently enter the Blessed Virgin’s humble abode and listen to her discourse with the heavenly messenger.

Second Prelude: O Immaculate Virgin, let me learn of thee a tender love of holy virginity and humble confidence in the all-powerful assistance of God.

First Point

“HOW SHALL THIS BE DONE?”

Must we not admire the prudent reserve of the Blessed Virgin, who spoke only after having well considered the angel’s words? She was not incredulous, but only desired to know how his message could be harmonized with her vow of virginity: “How shall this be done?” The magic of this word has drawn countless souls to Christ, and merited for Mary the glorious title “Queen of Virgins.” How perfectly did the sentiments of Mary conform to the designs of God, and how worthy did she appear of the sublime dignity about to be conferred upon her! It was her spotless purity, her love of virginity that made her the object of the especial love and predilection of Jesus; that made her worthy to become His Mother. He delights to dwell in pure hearts. Would we have Jesus dwell in our hearts, too, then we must endeavor to keep even the very shadow of sin aloof. We have long since given Jesus our hearts, of which He is so jealous. Should we not displease Him, therefore, by entertaining unnecessary or even dangerous thoughts? How necessary is it for us in imitation of the example of our holy Mother, to be reserved in our words, to curb our curiosity which so endangers purity and humility! Let us love seclusion and shun seeing and being seen, lest the beautiful splendor of the angelic virtue be marred in us, that God may look upon us with pleasure and impart His graces abundantly.

Do my words testify to a pure heart and prudent reserve? Do I love solitude, mortification of the eyes and the tongue, as custodians of holy purity?

Second Point

THE ANSWER OF THE ANGEL

The angel assures Mary that the ineffable mystery shall be accomplished in her by the operation of the Holy Ghost. The same Divine Omnipotence which wrought the astounding miracle of the Incarnation in Mary, must effect all good in us. It must overshadow us, strengthen us in temptation and complete the work of grace, our sanctification. Let us not obstruct the operations of the Holy Spirit in our soul, nor suffer ourselves to be misled by sensuality, self-love, and human respect.

To confirm Mary in confidence, but more for our instruction, the angel concludes with the words: “No word shall be impossible with God.” To all the difficulties that loom up in our imagination, either to make our faith waver or to shake our trust, let us answer: I believe because God has revealed it; I hope for all that He has promised, for with God nothing is impossible. Let us seek encouragement with St. Paul, when he says: “I can do all things in Him Who strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4, 13). Provided I am docile to His grace, God will accomplish whatever He has entrusted to me. The discharge of the duties of my office, the perfect accomplishment of every task assigned to me by obedience, will become possible through Him to Whom nothing is impossible.

Nevertheless, in our endeavor to acquire perfection, in the combat of our evil propensities, our inherent misery may assert itself and advance the objection: How is it possible that I shall ever become a zealous religious? Oh, in answer to such timidity we, too, hear the words of the angel: “With God there is nothing impossible.” Even lukewarm souls, if they are truly humble, faithful to grace, and constant in prayer, shall become fervent and their works fruitful for eternal life.

Affections: O purest Virgin, enhanced by thy wisdom and humility, virginity shines forth in thee in all its splendor. Thou hast merited to conceive and to present to us Him Who comes as the “Blessed in the name of the Lord.” Thou fillest heaven with exultation and bliss, and earth with joy and delight. O Mary, who hast found grace which establishes peace between God and man, obtain for thy children, a share of this blessed peace. Obtain for us thy profound humility, thy heavenly purity, thy fiery steadfast love of God, that nothing may be impossible for us, and that with implicit trust in God we may accomplish all His sacred designs.

Resolution: In all difficulties, I will humbly have recourse to God.

Spiritual Bouquet: “Nothing shall be impossible with God.”

Prayer: Remember, O most gracious Virgin …

The Angel Calms the Blessed Virgin

Who having heard was troubled at his saying, and thought what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: ‘Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God’ ” (Luke 1, 29).

First Prelude: Again, in spirit, enter the humble dwelling at Nazareth and contemplate the Blessed Virgin, troubled at the angel’s words.

Second Prelude: Ask of the Blessed Virgin a share in her wonderful humility and unbounded confidence.

FIRST POINT

EFFECTS OF THE ANGELIC SALUTATION

The evangelist relates that “When Mary heard this she was troubled, and thought what manner of salutation this should be.” Mary’s fear proceeded from her deep humility. It was not the appearance of the angel, not the wonderful splendor surrounding him that troubled her—she was accustomed to intercourse with heavenly spirits, as the mystical writers say; but she was troubled at the angel’s words. He had said: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, Blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1, 28). Her humility was unable to comprehend the extraordinary distinction suggested by these words.

What an example does the Blessed Virgin set us in this mystery! She had every reason to rejoice at the angel’s message; yet she feared; her heart sought no honor, no preference, she rejected the praise bestowed upon her. She deemed herself unworthy to be thus singularly honored by God with such rare graces. Her humility is as profound as her knowledge of God is sublime and exalted. Why are there so few humble souls? Is it not because profound knowledge of God and thorough knowledge of self are rarely found among men? If we wish to advance in perfection we must strive earnestly to grow in this two-fold knowledge, and often propound to ourselves the question: “Who is God and who am I?” St. Charles Borromeo who was so deeply grounded in humility, said: “Mary, the humble Virgin, becomes troubled on hearing an angel praise her in virtue of a divine command; we, miserable sinners, crave the empty praises of men.”

All those who constantly commune with God by the contemplation of divine things, and a pure life, flee honor and praise, and if such, nevertheless, are accorded them, they accept them reluctantly. How am I disposed in this respect? Do I bear in mind that the grace of God finds no entrance into a heart filled with self?

SECOND POINT

THE ANGEL CALMS THE BLESSED VIRGIN

Noticing the fear of Mary, the angel quieted her and said: “Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God” (Luke 1, 30). It is peculiar to the spirit of God to dispel fear from our hearts. An inspiration is divine if it begets peace and implicit confidence in God, which are ever its special marks. The false insinuations of the Evil One always beget unrest and usually mislead to vain presumption and mistrust in God’s mercy. No imperfection attached to the Blessed Virgin’s fear, but the angel dispelled it that she might receive the divine message with perfect composure. “Thou hast found grace with God,” this is the reason why Mary should not fear; she possessed God’s grace, His love and pleasure. This consciousness is an impenetrable shield against all fear, for what could frighten her whom the Holy Ghost assures that she is a child of God?

Oh, let us guard against losing the grace of God or weakening its effects through our fault! On our deathbed, nothing shall be able to give us greater assurance than the knowledge that, with the grace of God, we have always endeavored to do what we recognized as pleasing to Him, feared sin and by contrition and penance, atoned for the sins committed. May we not in all humility and confidence, still hope to find grace with God? Let us beg Mary, who constantly corresponded to grace, to help us repair our past abuse of graces by redoubled zeal and fervor.

Do I suffer myself to be unnecessarily disquieted and troubled by the insinuations of the devil? Have I not thus lost much valuable time?

Affections: O Mary, thou blest Spouse of the Holy Spirit, blest Mother of the Eternal Word, glorious Queen of Angels, amiable Mother of Mercy, how I rejoice in thy ineffable happiness! Truly, with fullest justice did the angel say to thee: “Thou hast found grace with God.” And in what measure hadst thou found grace! Thou hadst not only received the fullness of grace thyself, but, in thy adorable Son, the source and fountain-head of all graces and merits. Oh, how rich and happy art thou! Pray incessantly for me that thy Divine Son may pardon all my sins and endow me with grace, wisdom and divine love. Pray that He may grant me a happy death, be merciful to me in Judgment and receive me into the abode of eternal peace and bliss.

Resolution: I will manifest great modesty and reserve in my words and actions.

Spiritual Bouquet: “Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.”

Prayer: Remember, O most gracious Virgin …




60437

Shaggycoat

Dear Diary

At morning Mass, Father LeRoy said something I don’t think I’ll forget for a long time. He told us that Jesus doesn’t just visit us on Sundays—He wants to abide in us. That means He wants to stay with us all the time, even when we’re doing chores or just sitting still. Father said that when Jesus really lives in us, we become more like Him—kinder, braver, and more full of love.

Later in the afternoon, Mini and I walked down to the cave with our little lunch and my scrapbook. The breeze was cool and the creek was rushing gently over the rocks, like it was humming a song just for us. I sat in my usual spot near the grotto and was about to open my book when I heard a rustle from down by the water. It was Shaggycoat!

He waddled up from Indian Creek, his paws all wet and muddy. I was so happy to see him. He came right up like he wanted to be part of everything. And wouldn’t you know—Mini scooted in from the other side, eyes wide, like she wasn’t going to let a beaver take over her spot!

Next thing I knew, they were both crowding onto my lap at once. Mini leaned into me like she needed protection, and Shaggycoat just plopped right down like he belonged there (which he kind of does). I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. I told them both there was room for each of them in my heart—and I think that’s just how the Holy Spirit is too. There’s always room for more love.

Evening Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to live in my heart. Help me make it a soft, warm place for You to stay. And thank You for little joys like muddy beavers and faithful corgis who don’t want to be left out. Abide in me always. Amen.

Love,

Kathy

Fear Not

 

 

Friday, May 2, 1956

Dear Diary,

Robert picked us up early this morning. The weather was mild—no scarves needed—and Mini waited patiently at the truck until Robert opened the door. She jumped in like she knew exactly where we were headed.

Mass was peaceful. Mini curled up under our pew and rested her head on my foot, which made kneeling a bit tricky. I tried not to move her, so I knelt sort of sideways and did my best to pray properly.

Afterward, we stayed in the pew to read Today’s Meditation. It followed right along with Father’s homily since he uses the same book. The part that stayed with me was when Jesus met the women after the Resurrection and said, “All Hail.”They held onto His feet and adored Him, and He told them, “Fear not.” The meditation said He gives grace that fits our weakness. I like that. It makes me feel like He knows just how to help me, even when I feel small.

Father invited us to the rectory afterward—completely last minute. He scurried around the kitchen fixing oatmeal, while we helped set the table. He even poured some into a little dish for Mini, who ate it faster than anyone.

Evening Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for knowing my heart and telling me not to be afraid. Let me always stay close to You. Amen.


Love,

Kathy

Jesus Reveals Himself to Mary Magdalen

 

May 1st, 1956

Dear Diary,

The first day of May felt like the world had been gently washed and hung out in the sun. The breeze smelled like lilacs, and everything seemed to be blooming all at once. Sister Mary Claire reminded me that May is the Month of Mary, the Blessed Mother, and I promised to do something kind each day in her honor—even if it’s just a little thing, like saying an extra Hail Mary or being extra gentle with Mini.

Robert pulled up this morning right on time. His pickup was clean and shiny from last night’s rain, and Mini was already waiting at the end of the lane with her ears perked and her tail wiggling like mad. We climbed in, and Sister had her Meditation Book open on her lap. She told me we’d read it together later since there wasn’t time before Mass.

After we got back from church and took care of the chicken chores—feeding, watering, and gathering eggs—we sat on the bench near the coop and finished today’s meditation about Mary Magdalen. The hens were scratching around in the dirt, and the wind felt soft on my face.

The part that stayed with me the most said, “O my Jesus, speak to my heart, as Thou didst speak to Magdalen: say but one word to me and a light shall flood my soul.” I thought about how she stayed by the empty tomb when everyone else had left. She didn’t understand what had happened, but she stayed. And because she stayed, Jesus came.

I imagined what it would feel like to hear Him say my name. Just one word—and I would know it was Him, and everything inside me would feel full of light and love and peace. I want to be that kind of person. The kind who waits and listens and doesn’t give up.

Sister says Mary Magdalen’s love for Jesus was so big that even sadness couldn’t make her walk away. I asked Jesus to help me love Him like that—more than anything else, even if it’s hard.

Evening Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Please speak to my heart like You did to Mary Magdalen. Even just one word from You would be enough to fill me with peace. I want to stay close to You always. And dear Mother Mary, this month is yours—help me live it well.
Amen.

Love,
Kathy

Mary Magdalene's Love for Jesus

 
April 30

Dear Diary

This morning started out just like most good mornings do—standing out at the mailbox with Sister Mary Claire and Mini while we waited for Robert. He waved real big when he turned up the lane in his pickup, and Mini gave a tiny bark and jumped right in. I brought my diary along in case I had a chance to write something after Mass.

At St. Mary’s, it was peaceful and still. The candlelight flickered a little, and I could smell the wax and pine from the pews. Before Mass began, Sister read a piece from Our Meditation Book—about how Mary Magdalene ran to the tomb and found it empty. Father LeRoy talked about that, too, and how much love Mary Magdalene had for Jesus. I thought about what it must have felt like to find the stone rolled away and to be the very first to know He had risen. It made me feel like I was there.

After chores in the afternoon, I added fresh straw in the nests at the henhouse. Omelette clucked her thanks, I think. Then Mini and I took the path down to the cave. The air felt cool and a little sweet, like it had just rained even though it hadn’t. We stopped at the little grotto where the statue of Mary stands, with her hands folded and her face so gentle and kind. I knelt in front of her and said a quiet prayer I’d found in an old prayer book we keep by the side table.

Here it is:

A Prayer to Our Blessed Mother at the Grotto

Dear Mother Mary,

I come with a heart full of small things—just like wildflowers gathered in a field.

Please carry my little prayers to Jesus and help me to love Him like you do.

Make my heart soft like yours, full of trust and always ready to say yes.

Amen.

Now it’s getting dark outside. The frogs are starting up in the creek and the hens are settling in. Mini’s curled up on my feet under the table as I write.


Dear Jesus,

Thank You for today—for Mass, and for Mary Magdalene, and for Mama Mary who always listens to me.

Watch over us tonight and help me wake up ready to love You again tomorrow.

Amen.




Love,

Kathy