For Mary

15 August, 2009 | Feast of the Assumption
Reflection on Luke 1: 39-56

Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus!
Holy Mary mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

Perhaps, like most of you, this one of the first prayers thought to me by my elders. Ima, my grandmother, thought me to pray the rosary when I was 6 years old. I remember how proud I am the first time I was able to lead the family rosary, though honestly, I never really knew what it meant. Soon, it became less interesting and would describe it in three words. Long, boring and repetitive. But as I grow older and wiser, I realized that this long, boring and repetitive prayer became an essential part of my life as a young Catholic.

I constantly have a rosary in my pocket. When I went to college, the rosary is my constant companion during the times when I feel alone or when I struggle to keep a balance, juggling work and studies. When I started working, Mary is my constant companion too during the daily commutes – of many buses, train and jeepney rides, helping me see the metro traffic much more meaningful way and make it a little bearable. I don’t why, but it always gives me peace and hope. Perhaps it is the maternal figure that made me relate much to her. During my first discernment retreat in 2006, Mary was also a consoling companion as for the first time, I seriously thought of responding to her son’s call. During the fourth day of the retreat, we were asked to contemplate the Annunciation scene, the calling of Mary. And I would always remember how consoling and inspiring to ask for her intercession that I might have the same courage and trust to say ‘yes’ to God’s invitation.

Today, dear friends, I would like to share with you my reflection about Mary as our model and guide in our life of discernment.

I personally admire Mary because of her simplicity. She perfectly fits the gospel’s description of having a child like faith. The day when she was visited by the angel, she gave her unconditional yes to God’s call to be the Mother of God. This is amidst the fear and uncertainty Mary must have felt in which the angel also sensed so that he told her, “Do not be afraid”. Mary, with great faith and trust surrendered herself to the Lord’s plan. It is clear to Mary that she is a handmaid, a servant of the Lord. In today’s gospel Mary provides for us a perfect model of how to be a real servant of the Lord.

First, a servant of the Lord is a cheerful giver and is pleased to serve the Lord. The Magnificat, is a song of thanksgiving. It is a song, filled with so much gladness and gratitude for the Lord who works wonders for his people. It is a great privilege that one cannot but respond with gladness to be used as an instrument of God. Though we know, that to be a servant of God won’t be easy, that poses a lot of challenges.

Once I asked Bro. Joel, my director in Haggerty House last year, how he personally feel about his life as a Jesuit. He answered me plainly that it is a happy life. Not that, it is hassle free or there are no dull moments, but it is generally happy life. He also said that a lot of people think that religious life means, giving up or sacrificing a lot of things. It is true, but if one is truly called by the Lord, one will be truly happy to where the Lord calls him/her. Mary knows this by heart. When she responded to God’s call, she was filled with gladness and joy to serve the Lord.

Secondly, a true servant of the Lord doesn’t remain to one’s self but shares this gift to others. Mary was pregnant herself when she visited Elizabeth. It was not convenient for her to travel the lonely, dangerous road from Galilee to the hills of Judea. Take note that Judea is about 90 miles from Nazareth. Would she have walked or ridden a donkey? We don’t know. But according to my research, it is definitely a journey along lands of hills and valleys studded with many, many rocks. So if she journeyed an average of 8-10 miles a day, where talking about 9-10 days of journey here…in the state of pregnancy. But this never prevented Mary to serve her cousin in the time of here need. Mary exemplifies that a true servant of God is being led to the service of others.

As we continue our discernment here in Arvisu House, let us look up to Mary as our model and inspiration. Let us ask ourselves, is our life of discernment here in Arvisu House leads us to a deeper relationship and trust to God? Does it fill us with gratitude, gladness and joy? Does it lead us to greater love and service for others through our apostolate and community? Let us continue to ask for the special intercession of the Holy Mother to guide us in our discernment journey. Let us all pray that we may be able to imitate her child like faith, simplicity and trust in God. That like Mary, we may all be able to serve the Lord in joy and gladness in our service to Him and to our brothers and sisters. Amen.