“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 …
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