Daily Reflection Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

 Several times each day the media describes continuing wars in the Ukraine, Palestine and Israel—not to mention the violence precipitating in our own streets. Today’s first reading from Isaiah tells of another war--the Syro-Ephraimite

War in 735 BC. Enemy leaders tried to conquer Jerusalem. Ahaz, king of Judah, defended Jerusalem. We know that the basis of all wars throughout the centuries is selfishness battling with selfishness. Even the smaller wars within ourselves, our families, our neighborhoods are rooted in selfishness. Yet, God understands our sinfulness and still wants to save us. The Lord requests Ahaz to ask for a sign. Despite Ahaz’s refusal, God does give a sign—the foretelling of the birth of Jesus.

     Ahaz’s refusal to obey God’s request is in direct contrast to Mary’s consent to become the mother of God. The thirteenth century philosopher, theologian Franciscan Duns Scotus, told us that God looked out at the world and said, “How can I show all these people how much I love them? I know. I will become one of them.” We know that Mary was an ordinary Jewish girl engaged to Joseph. She had already cultivated a relationship with her God through Jewish Scripture and prayer. Yet, she questioned what she did not understand. Through the messenger, God provided the answer…..Yet, Mary could have said, “No.” God wanted her free response. 

    God requested of Mary to become the human mother of the Savior. That is how the Divine works. When God asks each one of us to become someone or to do something, we are not forced into an involuntary response. When God invites us out of our comfort zone, we are free to say “No.” 

    We are in the middle of the week of Gaudete Sunday. Let us take time each day to ponder Mary’s acquiescence to God’s request. When God asks something of us—and God is doing that several times each day—let’s not allow mini wars to rage within us. Like Mary, let us ponder God’s words, whisperings, nudges in our heart—then respond…..What would the world be like, what would each of us be, if Mary said, “No”?

But Mary said, “Yes”!

                                                                                            --Henry Ossawa Tanner

Woman of grace, of light and love!

O woman of peace and truth!

Walking beside you our hearts are full.

Your spirit strong lives in us here!

Woman of Grace!

                                                                                             --Jan Novotka  

Click here to listen to the entire song Woman of Grace