Mary’s Pilgrim Way

In a recent blog from “Whispers of the Loggia,” Pope Francis recognizes how Mary of Nazareth plays a significant role in the journey of faith, especially in this “Year of Faith” in the Church.  Mary’s life is in essence an ongoing pilgrimage to God.  A decisive moment changed her life when she said yes to be the Christ bearer.  For every moment thereafter, she would say her daily yes to be in concert with God’s will and plan of salvation.  Her YES to God is a model for those discerning a call to religious life.

                No doubt, there will be difficulties along this path.  For instance, family members initially may not be supportive of a religious vocation.  But it was no different for Mary, she had to break the news of being the Christ bearer to Joseph as well as to the Nazareth community.  But she was reassured by Gabriel who told her that all things are possible with God, because Mary’s cousin Elizabeth had conceived in her old age (Luke 1:37).

                Yes, there is something about Mary in the journey of faith through discernment.  She walks with discerners by encouraging them to say yes even when there are obstacles. In this month of the rosary, may each bead prayed can be a response of yes to the Lord.