What would you do when faced with a life-changing circumstance like Mary’s? How can you be more obedient like Mary? - Daily Reflections December 9,2013

DEEPLY DISTURBED

 

Sociologists speak of “liminal experiences.” Simply put, these are life-changing events or circumstances that either make or break a person. They are transitional events that usher one into a new order of things, a new mindset, a fresh way of looking at old realities, or an altogether different tenor of life. What was once considered “order” is turned into seeming “chaos,” and a new order of things ensues.

       From any point of view, such transitions are scary. In fact, transitions of any kind, are uncomfortable, at the very least.

       Today, we see Mary piercing through the discomfort and the disturbance, and eventually showing us what Margaret Silf refers to as the “other side of chaos.” In one fell swoop, Mary faced the chaos headlong, and all the potential further disturbances it could bring by simply obeying and stating, “Be it done to me according to Your word.”

       In my experience as a counselor these past years, I have learned that healing is hastened by recognition and acceptance, not by dodging — and refusing — to name the ghost that haunts a person, or even refusing to accept that one has an issue to resolve. Countless times, I have personally witnessed how a potentially disturbing phase (breaking down) actually led a person to the “other side of chaos” — a breakthrough!

       I would like to think of Mary’s obedience as initially precisely that — discomforting and disturbing. But out of obedience to a God of promises and fulfillment, she faced her fears headlong and believed. Needless to say, her life was never the same again after that. She ushered in the breaking dawn and brought about the “other side of chaos” which is our salvation. Scripture and Tradition both tell us what sort of “chaos” that had been. Sorrow pierced her heart, not once, not twice, but seven times!

       Mary Immaculate, help us see beyond our own messes, and declare along with you, “I don’t know,” “I don’t understand,” but “I believe,” and “I trust.” Let it be. Let it be.Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What would you do when faced with a life-changing circumstance like Mary’s? How can you be more obedient like Mary?

 

Lord, help me to be like Mary, Your Mother and my Mother, too. May it be done to me according to Your Word.