The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is nestled in the second week of Advent. As we reflect upon the theme, “Be not afraid, all is well”, we find the perfect example of the joy that can come to us when we open ourselves to the wonders of God’s love.
The birth of our savior was the result of one person’s yes to God. Mary was asked to let go of her self-imposed limitations and to believe that with God, all things were possible. Imagine what would have happened if Mary had said: “No, I don’t want to risk the pain and hurt that this might bring.” It is the same for Joseph. Imagine what would have happened if he had refused God’s invitation, believing it was all a dream.
While an angel may not come and announce a plan for us, God does come to each of us in the ordinary events of our day, inviting us to step outside of the walls we’ve built up. But, if we want to hear God, we need to take the time to listen, to spend time in quiet reflection, in prayer. We need to make room for God in our busy lives, by praying in the morning when we rise, and at night before we close our eyes to sleep, thanking God for the gifts we’ve been given and asking for strength and courage when we are tempted or feeling down.
Advent is a time for us to make room for God in our lives, opening our hearts and our ears so that we can hear God gently call our names, inviting us to trust and experience God’s love in our lives. No matter what caused us to build up the walls we so fiercely protect, now is the time to let them go and to trust that God will take our hand and lead us forward to the freedom and peace that only God can give. Let us pray that you and I will find the strength to follow Mary’s example and answer God’s invitation with a resounding, “Yes, Lord, let Your will be done in me.”
May God bless you and your loved one's today, tomorrow, and forevermore.