God's Grace Rests Upon the One Who is Open and Receptive

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Today in the Church we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation of our Lord.  As I sit here and ponder in our beautiful chapel at QHP, my heart is full and I am asking the question, "How does the meaning of this feast day touch what I am living at this moment?"  I feel it has something important to say!  In a reflection by Judy Cannato, I read, "To say that Mary is full of grace implies that she learned how to listen, her response, we are told, is to ponder."  

How is this experience of COVID-19 changing and challenging me?  I feel like it is a balancing act, holding faith and fear of the unknown at the same time, pondering this conflictive inner experience and looking with an honesty and clarity I never before had. It is an embracing of the cross, and the light at the same time, and I must admit it makes me feel uncomfortable! 

I imagine that is a bit of what Mary was feeling when she was challenged to move into a completely unexpected direction in her life.  The challenge of fear and faith all mixed up together! Somehow it  makes me feel better. 

 Judy Cannato finishes her reflection by saying "Our purpose as disciples is to continue to manifest the Incarnation...each of us, in our unique way can be hailed as ‘full of Grace'. A co-creative partner in God’s dream for humankind”  I agree! I pray I can listen deeply and respond…I pray we all can! Is not that the New Heaven and the New Earth!  Shalom       Chantelle

Comments

  1. Jane KMarch 25, 2020 at 5:11 PM

    I always find the invitation of God's angel unexpected, often confusing and accompanied by the usual questions, what? who? when? why? how? Sometimes answers come easily; often they take a while as Gabriel shuffles from one foot to the other and back again waiting for my "yes".

    This was sent to me this morning. It is a beautiful song for each of us on the Feast of the Annunciation. You will need to copy and paste the link in your browser.
    Say Yes by Bob Franke
    https://youtu.be/x1mpQrn1PU4

    Blessings,
    Jane

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