The Society of Jesus
in Belize
Mary’s Response
Preparing to Pray
1. Take three deep breaths, allowing yourself to be fully present.
2. Speak to the Lord, telling him that you are dedicating the next fifteen minutes to be with Him.
3. Ask for the grace you desire:
I pray to hear the call of Christ clearly in your life, and to be able to let go of whatever keeps you from responding with complete openness and generosity.
4. Consider the following points:
Christmas carols like Silent Night would have us believe that, when Christ was born into the world, all was calm and bright. But, in fact, Jesus’ birth was messy. Mary and Joseph’s hopes and plans were turned upside down, and they suddenly found themselves in the middle of chaos and danger. But they both said yes to the call.
Mary’s “yes” changed the course of human history, but it almost ruined her marriage with Joseph. More than that, as an unmarried woman, it put her life in grave danger. In spite of all her questions and confusion, in spite of all the dangers, she said yes. Why did she say yes to the angel Gabriel? Perhaps in your prayer you could speak with her about this.
Prayer
Scripture:
Luke 1:26-38 “Let it be done to me as you say”
You might use Ignatian Contemplation to enter into this scene. After you imagine it, take some time in conversation with Mary about what it was like for her to be called by God for this awesome task.
Review your prayer
Take a few minutes to reflect on and journal about the following:
• Put yourself in Mary’s shoes. What sorts of questions or doubts would you have had for Gabriel? How might you have responded if you were she?
• Have you ever had moments in your life when you’ve had to put all your trust in God, like Mary did? What happened?
• God chose Mary, a poor girl from a “bad neighbourhood,” to be the mother of his son, thereby changing the course of human history. In what ways do we sometimes look down on poor people from “bad neighbourhoods” by thinking that they have nothing to contribute? How might this Gospel passage challenge our assumptions?
... or else write down any moments of consolation or desolation you encountered in your prayer.
Speak with the Lord, as one friend to another, about whatever came up in your prayer.
End with an Our Father or a Hail Mary.