Fourth Week of Advent…December 20, 2020

By Kathy Schinker, Notre Dame Associate

Mary has been the focus of much of our readings in this Advent season.  When I think about her immediate response to Angel Gabriel’s question: “be it done to me in accordance with God’s Will”, it gives me an overwhelming sense of wonder, admiration and gratitude.  She is a key figure in our Lord’s coming on Christmas.

Mindfulness is a word I have been reflecting on this season and it brought me to a place of understanding the set of events that led up to the birth of Christ, her willingness to be pregnant, the challenges and dangers of the trip to Bethlehem, ready to deliver a baby, riding on the donkey, and looking for a place for that child to be born.

Mary was a young girl when she said “yes” to God.  She did not know what was to come.

But she did not back down from that decision.  I pray to be more mindful in accepting the challenges life sets before me in loving and gentle ways.