Mary's Way

The life of Mary, our Good Mother and the First Disciple of Jesus, presents a simple but challenging blueprint for our own lives.  At the Annunciation, she welcomed the Word of God, became blessed among all women, and was able to rejoice in God with her whole being. Stopping here to ponder for a moment:  how many times a day are we invited to accept Jesus into our hearts?  The Eucharist is there daily, a fellow-worker or family member needs a word of encouragement, a child needs an explanation, advice, or just a pat on the back. Jesus comes to us in all colors, shapes, and sizes.  When we allow him to enter again into our hearts, the joy we feel cannot be matched; it reaches to the bottom of our souls.
Mary remained faithful to Jesus, not fully understanding his mission, but sticking with him as he left home, was baptized by John, went to the desert, roamed about the country side healing and preaching, and ended up with him at the foot of his cross on Calvary.  Not an easy path, but one requiring courageous fidelity.  We cannot expect an easy path either, and we see that with Mary, we can walk it. 
Mary moved Jesus to act at Cana, and can still intercede for us with him.  And finally, she was present with the Eleven when the Holy Spirit came upon them...she was his bride already, but was further filled with his gifts. How blessed we will be if we strive each day to follow Mary's Way!
Bro. Rene