All To Mary

Today is the First Saturday of May; Saturday's are traditionally "Mary's Day", and this year, it falls on the eve of Mother's Day. There will be First Communions in hundreds of parishes across the nation, bringing thousands to Mass and Communion. Last weekend a vigil prior to the beatification of Pope John Paul II was held in Rome, recalling his devotion to Mary, and one of his favorite slogans: TOTUS TUUS (totally yours). St. Marcellin expressed his love and complete trust in Mary by calling her his "Good Mother." Thus we are surrounded by people and events that motivate us to ask ourselves if we have that same faith which will launch us into the "unknown" in Mary's footsteps, as she so willingly accepted the invitation to be the Mother of God at the Annunciation. What "annunciation" will take place in our lives today, or what invitation is already in progress? Pope John Paul's motto, "Fear Not" appeared on banners all over Rome at the beatification; a gloomy, rainy weatherforecast was reversed by a bright sun which caused pilgrims to use their umbrellas to provide shade rather than keep them dry. Little miracles, little signs appear to urge us to "launch out into the deep" and fear nothing. Let us, like Mary, make our act of faith, of trust, of love, and let all go completely into the hands of God, with not strings, no provisos, no conditions. Mary, help me to be totally yours, totally God's. Amen.