As we celebrate the Annunciation, we can rejoice in Mary's yes, her fiat, for the sheer wonder of the Incarnation, of God made flesh in a virgin's womb. As mothers, we can also rejoice in Mama Mary's example, renewing our yes despite the uncertainties and challenges and fears of bringing a child into an imperfect and messy world.
Mary gave God her yes that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and place Jesus in her womb - but in so doing, gave an open yes to all the years that would follow.
Her yes to cradling the sweet newborn Christ child,
to the joy of her beloved son,
and to the wonder of raising the child God.
But her yes also to the panic when Jesus was lost in the temple,
to her helplessness at the foot of the cross of her crucified Son,
and to the sword that would pierce her heart.
And so on the Annunciation, we have the opportunity to renew our yes to God in the children He has entrusted to our care. Yes to the sleepless nights, the diaper blowouts, the toddler tantrums and the near constant messes. Yes to an unknown future for children in a world that can be downright frightening, in bodies that could betray them with disease and wills that could lead them astray.
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| Mary is to the left. Anna told me today "I fordot to dive Mary a head." |
When staring at a second line on a pregnancy test or gazing into the eyes of a newborn for the first time, we give that child and his or her Creator a blank check of a yes - to love and to selflessly care - no matter what life will throw our way.
The lyrics aren't a perfect fit (nor is the context - I'm sure this is the first time Moulin Rouge and the Annunciation have been connected in any way), but the song "Come What May" from that film was running through my head yesterday. Written, of course, for romantic love, but so fitting for a mother's ongoing love and constant fiat.
With God's grace and Mary's example:
And there's no mountain to high, no river too wide
Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide
But I love you, I love you
Until the end of time
Come what may, come what may
I will love you until my dying day.
More inspiration from Mama Mary: They Could Have Been the Stressful Mysteries
