Because Mary Said “Yes…” — A Reflection For The Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord

SaltAndDignity ^ | March 25, 2015 | Fr. Thomas Rosica

[Steelfish]

Because Mary Said “Yes…” — A Reflection For The Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord

March 25, 2011 by Fr. Thomas Rosica

Standing in the middle of the present day city of Nazareth is the mammoth Basilica of the Annunciation, built around what is believed to be the dwelling of Mary. In a grotto-like room at the heart of the basilica is a small inscription on an altar. It reads, “verbum caro hic factum est,” here the Word became flesh. There, it is believed, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, and her response changed the world forever.

Imagine yourself in Mary’s place, asked to say “yes” to a divine plan so vast, so profound and so seemingly impossible that you cannot comprehend it. “How can this be?” she asks, bewildered. She is rooted in the faith of her ancestors, and yet now an angel has appeared in the midst of everyday life, extending a startling invitation. “You have found favor with God,” the angel says, “and you will conceive and bear His Son.” Will she accept?

It is Mary above all others who can teach us what it means to live by faith, and how to respond when God’s providence disrupts the daily course of our lives, overturning its rhythms and expectations. Despite her fears and uncertainty over how this promise could be fulfilled, she still answered “Yes.” Are we able to respond to God this way?

When we reflect on the Annunciation to Mary, and her acceptance of the angel’s message, we also reflect on our own vocation — our own calling from God. In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” — an echo of Mary’s “Be it done unto me according to your word.”

Each time we commit ourselves to embracing God’s call and accepting His will, we mark a new point on the path of our relationship with Him. For the rest of her life, Mary pondered her extraordinary encounter with God, turning the weight of the angel’s message over and over again in her heart. From the manger to the cross, Mary’s life was radically changed — her relationship with God profoundly deepened — the moment she said “Yes.”

Mary received and welcomed God’s Word in the fullest sense — becoming impregnated with it, and bearing it to the world. Angels might not appear in our doorsteps, but we do encounter God in each of our daily prayers, and he whispers to us a similar invitation: Will we accept His love and bring it joyously to those around us? Will we trust in His providence, even when we can’t see the path ahead? Amid the noise of everyday life, will we listen for and embrace his call?

When making his pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Annunciation, Pope Benedict XVI offered this prayer to the humble Virgin of Nazareth. It speaks for all of us who likewise seek to accept God’s will with joy:

Mary, Mother of the “Yes,” you listened to Jesus, and know the tone of his voice and the beating of his heart. Morning Star, speak to us of him, and tell us about your journey of following him on the path of faith."

[Mrs. Don-o]

You seem not to understand that the marital consent is a consent to be open to a new life. Whether you get that new life, that conception, or not, is a matter of gift; but by God's design the consent is implicit in the marriage relationship.

And by God's plan for marriage, procreative acts are only supposed to occur within the overarching marital consent.

The trivializing, exploitative, uglifying view of both God and Mary found on this thread is just mighty depressing. I really can NOT suppose that your marriages look like this. I'm leaving before I have to cry.

[vladimir998]

“What is a pity is that the Roman Cult has so successfully twisted the minds of its adherents to believe the falsehoods that it teaches.”

The Catholic Church doesn’t teach falsehoods. Protestantism is a falsehood.

“What saddens me is that the Roman Cult teaches that you can’t know and you have to work for it.”

What saddens me is that you actually just said something that is not true and you are saddened by your own falsehoods. First, the Church teaches against spiritual presumption - which is what you adhere to according to your own words. The Church teaches us that we can have a basic assurance of our salvation since it is dependent upon our Savior who is steadfast. We, however, have proven to be a less than steadfast species. We can only have a conditional assurance. Even many Protestants know OSAS, or any absolute assurance, is a farce and a heresy. Second, the Catholic Church has never taught that we can “work” for our salvation. The works are always God’s. We must simply have faith and co-operate with His gifts of grace in us. If we refuse God and His grace we will not be saved since God does not save us against our will.

“Try re-reading the postings I put up from Romans. In fact, read ALL of Romans.”

I have. Many times. That’s why it is so sad that you twist it against both God and His Church.

“It’s very plain. It’s very simple. It’s very true — and it’s not the narrative Rome teaches.”

Actually it is exactly as the Church has always taught. The issue seems to be that you don’t know that. Learn: http://www.salvationhistory.com/studies/courses/audio/romans_the_gospel_according_to_st._paul

http://www.amazon.com/ROMANISM-ROMANS-DR-SCOTT-HAHN/dp/B00GAIODS6

This is the information age. There’s no reason for Protestants to continue to be ignorant.

“Personally, I’d trust God’s word before I’d trust the Roman Cult.”

I see no evidence you trust His Word.

[metmom]

Joseph considered DIVORCING her.

IOW, it was recognized as a valid marriage although it had not been consumated.

[metmom]

Hey, I’M not the one who thoguht up the *divine rapist* angle.

That comes straight from the Catholic camp.

I’m pointing out the flaws of that kind of thinking, which yes, is offensive against God.

I cannot fathom the kind of thinking that would come to that kind of conclusion.

[Zuriel]

Rather than answer even a few of my questions, it easier to just throw out a carnal understanding of the Godhead:

**Nope. Jesus is God. Mary is His mother. There’s no misinterpretation there.**

Did Mary make his soul, and the Father that dwells in him?

By your ‘mother of God’ reasoning, there was a part of God that didn’t exist before Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus Christ said that “God is a Spirit” (Jn 4:24). You say that he is a man. I say that Jesus Christ is just as he said he is: The Son of God, and that the Father is in him, and he in the Father.

Imagine being underwater, and the water is not only all around you, but in every cell of your body. Now replace that water with God the Father. That’s the easiest way for me to physically describe God. You too could walk through walls.

God is invisible:

“And the Lord met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.........God is not a man, that he should lie, neither the son of man, that he should repent......”. Num. 23:16-19 (I suggest reading it again slowly, a couple of times.)

John 1:18, “No man hath seen God at any time..”.
5:37, “..ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape..”.
Col. 1:15, Paul, speaking of Jesus Christ, said, “Who is the image of the invisible God”.
1Tim. 1:17, Paul again: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God..”.
Heb. 11:27, “..as seeing him who is invisible..”.
1Jn 4:12, “No man hath seen God at any time..”.

I’m convinced that most trinitarian Protestants could still believe in a ‘three separate and distinct persons of God’ opinion, and never use the phrase ‘God the Son’ (it was NEVER used by the Lord or the apostles.). But you RCs would seem hard pressed to not use it, since you are so addicted to the ‘mother of God’ phrase as well.

(hope I didn’t misspell enneethang)

[metmom]

GOD is the one who opens and closes the womb.

People have sex.

The children that result from that are NOT the choice or doing of the parents, except for the engaging in sex part.

Boogieman’s point is valid.

[vladimir998]

“Did Mary make his soul,”

Did your mother make yours?

“and the Father that dwells in him?”

Does the Holy Spirit dwelling in you - if that is the case - stop your mother from being your mother?

[Elsie]

Jesus is God. Mary is His mother. There’s no misinterpretation there.

Jesus always WAS god.

Mary was not needed.

I'm sure those two in Genesis could have found some more dust to work with.

[Elsie]

Once again you’re wrong.

Blame the Hebrews for writing it.

[Elsie]

As usual nothing you posted in any way proves anything I said to be incorrect.

Nothing you have posted has been proven to BE correct.

[Elsie]

How logical will your response be?

To what?

[Elsie]

You think Mary had no more human dignity of a cow?

Hebrews 11:31 ESV
By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

---

Lineage of Jesus; just like Mary.

[Elsie]

I’ll have to ask you as well, does your god have sexual relations with humans, like Zeus?

No; but Storm Prepper's does something similar.

[Elsie]

Abram; GO to a land I will show you.

[Elsie]

I will defend Mary from the repulsive suggestion that she was basically forced to be a reproductive concubine, and that Our Good God is the moral equivalent of Muhammad.

I will defend the BIBLE's clear wording that Mary was NOT asked whether she wanted the job.

[Elsie]

She had not consummated her betrothal to Joseph with sexual intercourse.

Rome says...

She never did!!!

[Elsie]

...... come on over around July/August for salad ......

Invite some Mormons.

If they are WORTHY; you'll not have to cook any more wienies, steaks or ribs for them; for they'll be following the Word of Wisdom to the LETTER!!

---

Verses 12&13

---

 

THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

SECTION 89

 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. HC 1: 327–329. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet.

 

1–9, Use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks proscribed; 10–17, Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; 18–21, Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.

 

  1 A ^aWord OF Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—

  2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the ^aword of wisdom, showing forth the order and ^bwill of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—

  3 Given for a principle with ^apromise, adapted to the capacity of the ^bweak and the weakest of all ^csaints, who are or can be called saints.

  4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of ^aevils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of ^bconspiring men in the last days, I have ^cwarned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

  5 That inasmuch as any man ^adrinketh ^bwine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.

  6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, ^apure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.

  7 And, again, ^astrong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.

  8 And again, tobacco is not for the ^abody, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.

  9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

  10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome ^aherbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—

  11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with ^aprudence and ^bthanksgiving.

  12 Yea, ^aflesh also of ^bbeasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used ^csparingly;

  13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be ^aused, only in times of winter, or of cold, or ^bfamine.

  14 All ^agrain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

  15 And ^athese hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

  16 All grain is good for the ^afood of man; as also the ^bfruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—

  17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.

  18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, ^ashall receive ^bhealth in their navel and marrow to their bones;

  19 And shall ^afind ^bwisdom and great ^ctreasures of ^dknowledge, even hidden treasures;

  20 And shall ^arun and not be ^bweary, and shall walk and not faint.

  21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the ^adestroying angel shall ^bpass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

---

The Official Scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints © 2006 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Rights and use information. Privacy policy.

[Elsie]

Invite some Mormons.

If they are confused ones...

 

What's for dinner?

 

D&C 49:18-19  18 And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God; 19 For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.

D&C 89:12-13  12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; 13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

[Elsie]

Calling Kate Millet!

Any relation to Bob??

---

Mr. Millet:

 

I don't think we can ever transcend Joseph Smith or consider him to be a valued personality, but now we'll move on.

I don't think you'll see that among believers in the faith, because there are too many other things that came from him

that are the reasons why we do what we do and we are what we are. That there are unanswered questions, to be sure.

That there are things that I'm as anxious as the next guy to learn more detail on, I really want to know. But in the interim,

 it really doesn't, doesn't trouble me.

We're in the religion-making business, as you intimated earlier, only for a short time, I mean, compared to the

Christian church, which has been at this for a couple of millennia. We're about halfway to Nicaea.

And so, and so in that sense — I remember a very tender moment. I was speaking with — I've been invited

to the Salt Lake Theological Seminary, basically an Evangelical seminary, to discuss a book I had done on Jesus.

And they had read it, and they wanted me to come and just respond to questions.

And it was, it was a very enjoyable couple of hours.

 

The very last question that was asked by one of my friends there was this one.

 

He said, 'Bob, what can we do for you?'

 

And I, I wasn't ready for that question. I said, 'What do you mean?'

 

He said, 'What can we, as Evangelicals, do for our Mormon friends?'

 

And I, I guess my mind could have gone a hundred different ways, but what I came back with was this.

 

I said, 'Boy, I appreciate you asking that. I don't think I've ever been asked that.'

 

But, but I said, 'Try this. Cut us a little slack, will you? Give us a little time.

We're in the religion-making business, and this takes time. It takes centuries.

 

And, and trying to explain the faith and articulate the faith, that doesn't come over night.

We've really only been about that for 20 or 30 years.'

 

 

http://being.publicradio.org/programs/insidemormonfaith/transcript.shtml

[Steelfish]

This is a typical low-IQ Bible Christian response. The kind you’d get from a Joel Osteen devotee. Proves what has been said over and over again, Bible Christians are barely literate even in the shallow end of the theological pool. No wonder, leading Episcopalian and Lutheran theologians after a lifetime of study are decamping Protestantism in droves leaving low-information Protestants stranded in the pews.