Each week, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Saint Bernard of Clairvaux described a dark world following the sin of Adam and Eve where God is shut out. In God’s plan, God comes knocking on Mary’s door to enter it anew. He needs someone willing freely to say “yes” in response to the “no” of our first parents. Mary receives the message of the angel, who lays out God’s plan for Mary: the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, the virginal conception, the name of Jesus, and God as his true Father.
According to Saint Bernard, heaven and earth held its breath waiting for Mary’s response, hoping that she would not be humble, but daring.
Today, we read that Mary said something similar to Zechariah. When in his old age, Zechariah was told that his wife, Elizabeth, had conceived John the Baptist, he said, “How shall I know this?” In today’s Gospel, Mary said, “How can this be” to the announcement of the angel.
Zechariah’s “How shall I know this” was a statement looking for a proof. It was not a statement of faith. Mary’s “How can this be?” was a statement asking for instructions. In other words, she had said, “What must I do?” Ultimately, she makes it clear, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Saint Bernard said that it was at this point that heaven and earth began to breathe again.
Mary is a model of faith. Faith doesn’t ask for a sign. Faith simply trusts and asks for instructions. God has already given us the plan: all things will be made right again in Jesus. Our response? “How can I help you to make it be, Lord?” And in the end, we are asked to imitate Mary and say, “Behold, I am the Lord’s servant. May it be done as you say.”