Saying Yes

Our entire pilgrimage, every moment, every prayer, has happened for one single reason: the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.  Today, as we continue to immerse ourselves in Nazareth, we celebrated Mass at the site where God took a human nature upon himself. Our Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation, only feet from the Grotto where Mary received the angel's message, was truly a grace filled moment.  The fact that Christ again became present in that place was a powerful realization; 2000 years ago Christ was made present in the womb of Mary, now he has again been present under the appearance of bread and wine.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this particular celebration of the Eucharist was that one of our priests was celebrating his 46^th anniversary of ordination.  Just like Mary, this man gave his word, his yes, to God's gentle invitation.  Just like Mary, God took that priest’s passing, finite word and brought forth the infinite Word of God in his priestly character.  As one who is preparing to offer his “yes” to God this year, the Annunciation serves as a reminder that I must always strive to receive, not to grasp onto, God's presence.  At the seminary and in parish ministry, it is easy to believe that the more we do, the more we can bring Christ's presence into situations.  The Annunciation serves as a reminder that God simply asks us to say yes, to receive what he is offering.  Then he will be made present in ways we could never imagine.  It is that simple, but it is also that difficult.