by Fr. Bernardino Andrade
(bernardinodandrade@gmail.com)
A ROMANTIC PROPOSAL
Nobody knows Her age. Nobody has seen Her birth certificate or Her ID. But all the people who know Her are very sure that She was a very young girl. Nobody knows for sure what She was doing at that precise moment. Praying? Washing the dishes? Sweeping the floor? Cooking? Reading the Bible? Nobody knows, but all of these things are possible because She was a simple, poor girl, maybe doing «insignificant» chores. However, we all know a few things: we all know Her name and know the place where She lived. Her name is Mary and She lived in a town called Nazareth.
One day, without warning, «the Angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth to a Virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph… The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel came to her and said «Rejoice, The Lord is with you»… She was perplexed… by his words… The Angel said to Her: «Do not be afraid, Mary, for You have found favour with God. And now You will conceive in Your womb and bear a son and You will name Him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the most High… Mary said to the Angel: «How can this be since I am a Virgin? The Angel said to her: «The Holy Spirit will come upon You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You: Therefore the child to be born will be holy. He will be called Son of God… Then Mary said: «Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word». Lk. 1. 26-38.
On March 25th, the Catholic Church all over the world celebrates this great event of the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Nine months from that day, the Church and the world celebrate Christmas Day. The Baby is born. He is Emmanuel, God with us.
SAY YES, MARY… PLEASE SAY YES
Sometimes when I read this story I still feel as if am watching an intriguing movie. Each line is a surprise and keeps me on the edge of my chair as if I had never read it before, and biting my fingernails as if I didn’t know the ending. And then She says yes. And then I clap my hands and say «Thank you Mary». I don’t remember the name of the saint who said that during this proposal and this confusing dialogue between the Angel and Mary, all of creation, and all of the world, and all of the universe, were all looking at Mary saying: «Say Yes, Mary. Please say yes». And finally, when Mary said yes, all creation breathed a sigh of relief and started clapping and celebrating. And finally Mary said yes. And finally the Messiah was conceived. And finally a new era of hope had begun.
EXPECTING A MIRACLE
The whole world is now facing a period of confusion and expectation. The only word we hear is scary: it’s all around Corona virus. People are asked to stay home. We are all shaken by fear of the unknown. On Wednesday, March 25th, the Cardinal of Fatima consecrated Portugal, and many other countries asked to be included in this consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary. All people are asking for a miracle. Miracles still happen, and this miracle will happen even if no one knows when, or how. And all creation is looking at Mary expecting Her to do what She did at the Wedding of Cana: «Please Mary. Talk to Your Son. Say yes, Mary. Please say yes. Talk with Your Son». And like at the Wedding of Cana of Galilee the «precious wine» will be served again. God says in the Bible 365 times the words: «Do not be afraid. I am with you».
Say Yes Mary… Please say yes!… We trust in you!
FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART by Fr. Bernardino Andrade
(bernardinodandrade@gmail.com)