The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
"Mary is not the sun, which by the brightness of its rays blinds us because of our weakness; but she is fair and gentle as the moon, which receives the light of the sun, and tempers it to make it more suitable to our capacity."
Saint Louis de Montfort
As I created the illustration for Advent this year I found myself meditating on Mary’s fiat and contemplating where in my life I need to surrender to His will. Mary’s simple “yes” forever changed the world and I wonder where my obedience can allow the Lord to overflow into my own life.
Saint Louis de Montfort says that when we pray the Hail Mary we are participating in the saving union of Christ’s incarnation and our prayer allows the Word of God to take root in our own souls and bring forth Jesus within our own lives. I’m currently praying the 54 day novena (and ending it on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe which Kassie and I will actually be traveling to Mexico City for!) and whenever I can I pray the words out loud, to speak this truth over my life and deep into my heart. There have been so many tangible graces that have flooded over me and I feel so inadequate to fully put it into words (I’m hoping to write a full blog post once I complete it and have some more time to process it).
For so long I found the Blessed Mother intimidating and impersonal – her perfection and holiness made her seem unrelatable. On a conceptual level I knew who she was, but I did not know her with any intimacy nor was I willing to open up my heart to her fully. But Our Lady is just that – a lady – and she has persistently yet politely knocked on the door of my heart but never forcing herself into my life. Over time I’ve learned that her perfection is not of the earthly definition but rather because of her close relationship and proximity to the Father – we become what we are closest to and no one was closer to Jesus than Mary and I now see it as an invitation to draw closer to her and press into this saving relationship rather than something that should turn me away.
Just like reminders to drink enough water and wear sunscreen, I sometimes think that Catholics know we should develop a relationship with Our Lady but can also benefit from similar gentle reminders of good practice. Through the rosary and regular contemplation of it's mysteries I’ve found a consistency and fidelity that I’ve never taken the time to develop before. We are being invited into the most incredible story during Advent and to prepare our hearts for the coming of a Savior. My prayer is to answer that call through the model of Mary’s gentle receptivity, to enter into a holiday season that is typically frantic and be willing to slow down, to further contemplate her fiat, and let her perfect light guide me to her perfect son.
To Jesus through Mary, amen.
(*Note - in the original email sent out on 12/1/19 the phrase divinity was in reference to Mary’s personal holiness and divine motherhood. This blog post has been edited for clarification.)
Christie Peters is an art teacher turned full time artist and co-founder of Every Sacred Sunday. She specializes in watercolor and has illustrated the last three Every Sacred Sunday journals as well as writing and illustrating for other independent projects. This past year she started taking aerial dance classes for fun and likes to daydream about joining the circus. Come say hi to her HERE.