Monday, March 26, 2007

Meditation on Annunciation:Through the Thick Fog, My "I" Sight is Failing


This morning and last Saturday we experienced thick fog here in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. I was driving to morning Mass on both days and had that eirie experience of not being able to see very far in front of the car at all.

It reminded me of how often we fly "on instruments" with God. There are many times when we aren't quite sure about God's will.... what the heck.... there are times when we are quite sure that we are completely unaware of God's will. During times like these our vision narrows, and we can only see the few square feet of real estate in front of us, and even that limited field of vision seems strangely unfamiliar. Our "I" sight fails us.

Brother Antony H. once again let us know this in an effective way with 2 posts on Sunday, March 25th about "The Mountain." The first, a cartoon piece, is priceless and speaks to our "perspective" in climbing. The second post, a Zen reading ,also indicates that sometimes near- sighted focussing can be helpful to our trek toward the Summit.

So it came as a comfort to hear this morning at Mass that our mother Mary wondered at the angel's presence and words during the Annuciation (Luke 1:26-38).


And coming to [Mary], [the angel] said,
“Hail, full of grace!
The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God."


It wasn't immediately clear in Mary's mind what was happening to her or why. That is the miraculous essence of her "fiat," her willingness to let it be done according to God's will and word, no matter what she could or could not comprehend.

Maybe we can recall that next time we get a little lost in the fog.

I am also reminded of a Lenten chorus we sing in my home parish. It is almost mournful in tune, but encouraging in tone. Forgive me for not citing the author. Please let me know if you are aware of who wrote this wonderful song so I can give them proper credit:

The Cloud’s Veil

Even though the rain hides the stars,
even though the mist swirls the hills,
even when the dark clouds veil the sky,
You are by my side.

Even when the sun shall fall in sleep,
even when at dawn the sky shall weep,
even in the night when storms shall rise,
You are by my side.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

its liam lawton