Lent – Day 22:“I am the handmaid of the Lord,” said Mary “let what you have said be done to me.”

Lk 1:26-28

Life comes with a lot of surprises and challenges. Sometimes we are not prepared for these challenges and surprises. The events of our lives are often shrouded in mystery; we do not know how it will all end. When we feel tired and confused and helpless by life’s events and problems, where do we run to and what do we do? We can scream, struggle, and give up in the darkness that our not knowing brings or we can hold on to the arms of the one that knows the way no matter how dark and uncertain our lives have become. Mary did the right thing. She said yes to the Lord. “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let what you have said be done to me.” Can I say and trust in these words whenever life throws its challenges and problems at me? Mary said these words, not knowing what the future holds for her. But she was comforted because the one that calls her knows the way.

Mary never stopped saying this proclamation of faith. I must imagine that she said these words again as she looked at her son hanging on a tree and as she carries his dead body in her arms.

I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word. May God give us the courage to say and live these words every day of our lives. For in this surrender is the greatest freedom and deepest joy. May God bless you all.