August 6: Day 1 of the Novena for the Feast of the Assumption

FIDELITY

Mary’s path of hope opens with the Annunciation. It is a simple narrative, but it breaks through history. Here we see the fidelity of God, the fidelity of Jesus and the fidelity of Mary - a fidelity explained in three words by the angel to Mary, “Rejoice, fear not!”  Nothing is impossible for God.

Fidelity is a central attitude of this first stage of Mary’s path of hope. In reality, it is the first and essential attitude of the whole life of Our Lady. Everything started at the moment when she says “yes” to God. It is a radical and definitive “yes”, but in the obscure light of faith. It is also in faith that she accomplished her journey. This makes her “yes” closer to the exigencies and limits of our own “yes”. It was sufficient for her to rely on a triple security - God loved her above all others, God asked for her consent, and for God nothing is impossible. Mary’s fidelity is lived in poverty, trust and availability.

Let us ask Mary for the grace to constantly let our fidelity rest on God’s fidelity.

(silent reflection)

Prayer

Lord our God, we give you thanks for the mystery of the Annunciation. Our hearts have been enlightened through the angel’s message and Mary’s total trust. May the good news of your salvation be announced to all, and may it be received with faith and gratitude, through Christ our Lord.

Amen.