Acts 1: 12 – 14
The apostles were in the upper room waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. In their company were some women and Mary the mother of Jesus. Luke mentioned the names of the 11 apostles and the mother of Jesus. Why did he do that? Mary’s company in their assembly is very important. She is the only one that understands and knows what it means to be possessed completely by the Holy Spirit. She is the one that is so full of grace and of the Holy Spirit that God was conceived in her. She is the one that boldly said that “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to what God desires.” She is the most fertile ground for the Holy Spirit.
She was in their midst teaching them how to say “Yes” to the Holy Spirit. She was there teaching them how to empty themselves of everything so that they might be full of grace and of the Holy Spirit. She was there teaching them how to believe that the promises that God has made to them will always come to pass.
As we wait for the Holy Spirit, let us wait with Mary, asking her to teach us how to say “Yes” to God and how to empty ourselves of everything so that we might also be full of grace and become pregnant with God.
Mary, mother of Jesus and our mother, you said “yes” to the Holy Spirit. You were full of grace. You became pregnant with our redeemer. You surrendered your life and your plans for God’s life and plans in you. Help us to empty ourselves so that the Holy Spirit might take possession of our lives and so that Christ might be born in us. Come Holy Spirit Come.
My Mother, Mary, teach me to say “yes.”
Amen