Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, what a wonderful day it is and will be! Today is Saturday, and who do we dedicate our Saturdays to? That’s right, the one and only Queen of Heaven and Earth, our beautiful Mother who represents the dawn before the day who is Jesus Christ, whose victory over death we celebrate on Sunday. As she preceded him in his human nature, he preceded her in being for he was before all else, with the Father, the Word who was with God, was God, and became flesh and dwelt among us through her womb and her goodness.
In the Annunciation, we witness a pivotal moment where the angel Gabriel visits Mary, announcing to her that she would bear the Son of God. This moment is not just about receiving news – it is about the deep faith that Mary displayed in response. The powerful words, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word," reveal Mary's willingness to embrace God's plan, even in the face of uncertainty and potential hardship.
Mary heard the Word of God, not merely with her ears, but with her heart. She trusted in God's promise to her and allowed it to take root in her life. For this reason, in today’s gospel, Jesus extols her by pointing out that she heard the word of God and allowed it to guide her.
In today's reading from Galatians, Paul reminds us that through faith, we are all children of God in Christ Jesus. Mary is the ultimate example of this—through her cooperative and submissive faith and obedience, she agreed to become the Mother of Jesus, i.e., the Mother of God, bringing the Second Person of the Divine Trinity into the world once he assumed a human nature. So too with us who have been given the grace to hear the gospel. We too, allow the Lord to become present in the world through our love, as he asks us to be his representatives in the world, so that what was strictly meant for the apostles, “Whoever receives you, receives me,” can also be said of us, if we carry his love into the world, especially to the less fortunate.
Saint Francis did this valiantly and is now known for his radical embrace of the Gospel—hearing the Word of God and putting it into action. Francis exemplified the essence of love, poverty, and humility, living out the Beatitudes in his daily life. He heard the call of Jesus, “Go and rebuild my Church,” and he took action, not only by fixing physical structures but by renewing hearts and giving a voice to the voiceless. Most of all, in Christ and his words, Francis found a treasure so profound, that it would be worth leaving everything else behind. This is where his radical response stems from—the hypnotic beauty, so to speak, of everything that had to do with Jesus’ life and ministry, and one of those things which emanated this hypnotic beauty, was Jesus’ mother.
In connection with our reading from Luke, we understand that Jesus highlights not just physical kinship but the deeper significance of being blessed by hearing and observing God’s Word. Saint Francis embodied this by creating a community of peace, love, and simplicity, emphasizing that true wealth lies in one’s relationship with God and others, rather than material gain.
As we reflect on the examples of the saints, we are reminded of our own call to hear the Word of God. It is essential to engage with Scripture, to listen prayerfully, and to discern how God speaks to our hearts. We find ourselves in a world often distracted by noise, yet the voice of God still beckons us to action.
How can we put our faith into action? First, by cherishing our relationship with God, as Mary did, and allowing His Word to transform us. It begins with daily prayer and reflection, with intention to listen and to act. Second, we can be inspired by Saint Francis to live authentically the Gospel message in our interactions—showing love, kindness, empathy, and standing against injustice. We can create communities that reflect the unity Paul speaks of in Galatians, where there is no division, but rather a celebration of our shared humanity as children of God, rejoicing in his goodness and helping each other embrace our treasured vocations. May the Mother of God continue to call down upon us God’s special blessings; In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in peace and thanks be to God. +
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