MARY'S APPROACH

 There is a striking approach to troubling events that can be observed in Mary. Mary seemed, according to the Bible passages, to be untroubled by the various issues that should have ordinarily troubled her. Look at the peaceful response at Gabriel’s message (Lk. 1:38), the peaceful pondering at Simeon’s warnings (Lk. 2:51), the calmness at Cana(Jn. 2:4), the submission at the Cross (Jn. 19:27) and the patience at the upper room (Acts. 1:14). Mary shows an attitude towards things that may not be referred to as abnormal but uncommon amongst the Children of Adam. 

This can, as well, be compared to the attitude of Peter at the Garden of Gethsemane (Jn. 18:10), the fear of John on seeing someone who is not of the fold performing miracles (Lk. 9:49), even the concerns of Peter about their lot since they have left everything to follow Christ (Matt. 19:27). These are all occasions that suggest fear, uncertainty, quest for security and lack of trust.

What could have made Mary so resigned, peaceful, and untroubled in the midst of imminent dangers and uncertainties. I would think that in the midst of all the securities which Mary apparently threw away, she held fast to one, the surest of them all. Mary was always certain of one thing, that “Those who put their trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endure forever” (Psalm 125:1)

In the events of the annunciation, I would not buy the idea that Mary’s acceptance of the Angels message was a total blind decision, resulting to uncertainty. She was certain of the outcome of the events namely, that her redeemer liveth (Proverb 19:25) and thus, can proclaim with St Paul saying “I am not ashamed because I know in whom I have put my trust, and I have no doubt at all that he is able to safeguard until that Day what I have entrusted to him” (2 Tim. 1:12). Thus, the entire life of Mary is simply a whole, long, peaceful and tranquil 72 years, a consequence of her total submission to divine providence.

Mary teaches us, then, to develop a trust in God that is firm even when it seems all hope is lost. "For God is for us a refuge and strength, a helper close at hand in time of distress." (Ps. 46:1). Has the Eternal Word not instructed us through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah saying, "And now, thus says Yahweh, he who created you,... who formed you.... Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine." (Is. 43:1)

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