"At the Annunciation, Our Lady also acted as the wife of Joseph, who had already given his consent in the marriage to any child from God if it was His will. As husband and wife before the Annunciation, Joseph and Mary were already one. Acting in moral union with Joseph, Mary gave her consent for both of them, not only for the conception of the Child, but also for the salvation of the people of God."
Dominic De Domenico, O.P.
True Devotion to Joseph and the Church
At the Annunciation, Our Lady didn't express doubt but wonder in what the angel was telling her. How could this little one from Nazareth be chosen to bear the Messiah? Joseph wondered the same thing about himself . . . Like Mary, he did need an annunciation of his own--the angel's message in a dream to help him know that the Father knew that he was up for the task of caring for and protecting both mother and child.
From Consecration to Jesus through Saint Joseph:
An Integrated Look at the Holy Family
(pp. 61-62)
Bottaro and Settle
"(Mary) never exalted herself . . . but in her lowliness . . . she gave a perfume of such sweet fragrance that it rose to the throne of Divine Majesty. . ."
Homily; July 2, 1618
St. Frances de Sales
 |
| The Annunciation Design #2 Marcia Carole |
Have you experienced wonder and awe in the Lord's will for you?
Yes, how my career has progressed these last five years. The people and professional network and groups of friends the Lord has provided me along the way. All the opportunities to share my gifts with others and help students and younger people early in their career.
The joy and awe-filled moments I still hold fast to from teaching 3rd-grade catechism.
How has he surprised you with a profound gift?
The time in 2020 during a pandemic to be consecrated to Jesus through Mary. Between Fr. James Boric's call on the Feast of Mary Mother of God to finding my mom's copy of Fr. Gaitley's book in our family home in Michigan, the Lord surprised me with an affirming, wonderous spiritual journey.
Can you imagine increasing the sweetness of these moments by reflecting on them in the light of your devotion to Our Lady and St. Joseph?
Yes. The Holy Family is present now with me. They take delight in sharing their joy with me, in knowing that I can experience a small taste of their own awe and wonder. It can feel more like celebrating with family and friends who truly know and love me, wishing all the best for me in the ways of the Lord.
In one concrete way, how can you give your own fiat, your "Yes," to the Lord today?
By praying my Consecration prayer and accepting all of today's struggle and toil with obedience and a humble trust in the Father's will for me: without complaining, without ruminating, without wanting the past to be different or placing expectations on the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment