weary or mary?
"The Lord spoke to Ahaz: 'Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!' " —Isaiah 7:10-11
We like to have signs which make us feel better about a situation and more sure of ourselves. The Lord, however, is not primarily interested in those kinds of signs. The Lord likes to give signs which take us more deeply into the mystery of His love. He likes to give signs which challenge us to move farther away from our comfort zones. This is the kind of sign the Lord wanted to give to Ahaz. However, Ahaz refused to ask for such a sign and thereby wearied God (Is 7:12-13).
The Lord gave Mary a great and personal sign: her kinswoman Elizabeth conceived "a son in her old age" (Lk 1:36). This sign propelled Mary even more deeply into the mystery of the Incarnation and inspired her to take amazing risks. In response, Mary did not refuse this sign. She let God's plan be done to her according to His word (see Lk 1:38). She chose to magnify the Lord rather than weary Him (Lk 1:46).
The Lord may be wanting to give you a sign which will change your Christmas and make it His Christmas. Moreover, He will give you a sign which will change your life and make it His life in you (Gal 2:20). Dare to be like Mary in not wearying the Lord but obeying and praising Him.
Prayer: Father, may I ask for Your kind of sign and to be Your sign.
Promise: "Nothing will be impossible for God." —Lk 1:37
Praise: "O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at Your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead Your captive people into freedom."
Reference: (The 2003 Discipleship Retreats begin with the retreat, Loving Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, January 10-12, 2003. For information or to register, call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend David L. Zink, June 12, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2002