The Moment of Decision- What will Mary say?
In the Office of readings for December 20, we read a beautiful homily from St. Bernard, one of my most favorite homilies. He anxiously asks Mary, who has been told by the Angel Gabriel that she is to be the Mother of God:
The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us. The price of salvation is offered to you. We shall be set free at once if you consent.
. . .Answer quickly, O virgin. Reply in haste to the angel or rather through the angel to the Lord. Answer wth a word, receive the Word of God. Speak you own word, conceive the divine Word . Breathe a passing word, embrace the eternal Word.
. . .Why do you delay, why are you afraid? Believe, give praise and receive. Let humility be bold, let modesty be confident. This is no time for virginal simplicity to forget prudence. In this matter alone, O prudent Virgin, do not fear to be presumptuous. Though modest silence is pleasing, dutiful speech is now more necessary. Open your heart to faith, O Blessed Virgin, your lips to praise, your womb to the Creator.
Dear Mother of God, you said yes when the angel Gabriel told you that you were to become the Mother of God. Help us not to be silent. God awaits our response to his love in faith this very moment. Help us not to hesitate, but to give our fiat with a strong and humble voice!!!
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