Wisdom Reflection- An Advent Journey with Sr. Irene Arsenault, DW

“THE LADY”- ADVENT, ANXIETY AND PEACE

Sr. Irene Arsenault, DW

“Yes, you can pray for me, but I don’t want you to say any prayers to “the lady.” That response, without a doubt, surprised me, but then you never know. I volunteer at a Catholic hospital as a spiritual care companion, and most times, patients are quite receptive to prayers. This response also gave me pause, and at times, it still does.

Who is this, Mary, “the lady”? Do we really know her? She seems to be often misunderstood by many and so loved by others. Scripture speaks very little about this woman. Most texts written about Mary are about when the Angel Gabriel addressed her as God’s messenger, asking her if she would consider becoming the mother of Jesus. She must have been astounded! She was young, real as you and I, and confused about this unexpected request. How can this be? What about Joseph? My parents? My friends? My future? Her anxiety level must have been unbelievable. But then her deep faith in her loving God gently takes hold, her YES to the angel is based on what she knows about God and what she does not know about God. “Let it be done to me according to your word.” What trust!

Mary is not a plastic statue sitting on a pedestal. Just like each one of us humans, she is very real. She physically carried and nourished the child Jesus, the promise of all ages. We celebrate Advent to commemorate this wonderful reality. The miracle of the day is that you and I can experience the spiritual reality of Christ within us so that his life can direct ours in all that we are and do. How does this happen? The Lady will show us.