The time for Jesus to enter into human history is close at hand and that is why the Gospel today is from St. Luke on the Annunciation by the angel Gabriel to Mary. Just as it was close then, the breaking of God into human history – in the literal sense, so too now in a figurative way, since Christ was already born, but still looking to be born in our hearts in the right here and right now.
We have been celebrating Advent in order to open wide our hearts for Christmas day. We open them wide not simply for presents, both in the giving and receiving, nor for all the Christmas lights, decorations, and everything else that goes with the celebration – yes those things are nice and even good, but there is something much more important and that is, allowing Jesus into my heart fully and completely.
If we reflect on the Gospel it is clear that Mary does just that, allowing the Holy Spirit into her completely and without reservation, she opened heart wide. She allowed no barriers to be raised or any type of blockage to interfere in her relationship with God, regardless of what God asked. That is why the angel says, “Hail, full of grace.”
Mary was blessed, this goes without saying, and more importantly are her responses to God when asked to prepare a place for Him in her heart. Mary’s first difficulty was in her giving birth to Jesus. Most women and families throughout history will find help and places of comfort in delivering a child, for Mary she was asked along with Joseph to press on through the streets of Bethlehem until finally arriving at a manger. What was going through her mind as her birth pains increased and yet they still could find no place? The next thing we hear in Scripture of Mary is when she and Joseph bring the child to the temple for circumcision in order to fulfill the law, a beautiful moment for a family, similar to our own baptismal celebrations. For Mary though it was quite different. Simeon prophesied that Jesus would be the reason for the rise and fall of many and that a sword would pierce her own heart. Not the words a mother wants to hear at a time like that. It would happen again when Mary and Joseph lost Jesus in Jerusalem for three days. In finding him he simply responds, “You know I had to be about my Father’s work.” Mary is already being asked to let go and begin allowing her Son to follow his road, one in which would lead to crucifixion and finally resurrection.
In all of these Mary opened her heart and trusted God. We give Mary many titles, and rightly so, she is the best example of a human being paving and making straight the path to her heart so that it could be open for God.
The same applies to us. If Mary is truly a Mother to us and the most excellent of examples among the Saints then we must try to imitate her and do so to the best of our abilities. God is asking something of each of us. Are we opening wide our hearts? This is the time to do it. Christmas is one week away and Christ will be born in us. If there is anything I need to have removed, cleansed, paved away the Lord is asking us to do it right now, for remember, “Today is the day of salvation, today is the acceptable time.” So, open wide your hearts!
Fr John
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