[ Today's Readings ]
“My mother and my brothers
are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
Let us follow Mary in hearing the word of God and acting on it. She is our example in this as in all things. The archangel declares the word to her and she replies, "Be it done unto me according to thy word."
She treats the words of the LORD differently than mere human words. She hears the plans of the LORD, sees them unfold, and treasures them in her heart. Like the psalmist, she meditates on the wondrous deeds of the LORD. She actively and consciously chooses to embrace the ordinances set before her. She does not lean on her own understanding. Rather, when she does not understand she asks in humility. She receives discernment in order to observe the law and keep it with all her heart. And for her, more than any other human, the path of the commands of the LORD is truly her delight. She keeps the law continually, forever and ever.
We are called to think of Mary not as a standard against which to condemn ourselves but rather as an example we ought to follow. We should let our hearts be streams in the hands of the king just as Mary's heart is. Our ways are always right in our own eyes and so we must surrender them. We must allow them to be shaped completely by the LORD our God. He shows us how to do what is just and right, in diligent humility and honesty. He helps to make us teachable so that we can gain knowledge and wisdom even when we fail.
He opens our ears to the cries of the poor. Like Mary, we are able to allow Jesus to welcome others even when it means not putting ourselves first. Like Mary, we can see Jesus welcoming others as his mother and brothers and only rejoice, with no jealousy or scorn, that the love is Jesus is without limit.
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