There was a young woman in New York who had been dating a great young man for over two years. One Sunday he called her to say that he had something special on his mind. He would pick her up in his prized car, a memorable antique Edsel. They would go to the country for a picnic. She felt certain that he was planning to propose to her. They drove to Long Island, but he seemed preoccupied with something, during their picnic, and even on their way back home. He was silent for much of the trip.
Once they got back to New York city he announced that a great and significant event was about to take place. Central Park, he said, would be the appropriate place for it to happen. The young woman could hardly contain her emotions. He was going to propose to her in a unique and memorable way.
He announced that the great moment was at hand. He slowed his antique Edsel down and headed for a shady spot. This was it, he said, the climax had arrived. He was sure that she would feel the same excitement he did. “Look,” he bellowed, “We just hit the 100,000 mile mark!” The numbers on the speedometer turned slowly over as the car came to a halt. “Everything is back to zero!” he said as he was caught up in the rapture of of the moment.
“Yes,” said the young woman sitting next to him, “Everything is back to zero.”
The exact opposite happened when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and asked her if she would be the mother of the Savior (Luke 1:26-38). Mary says yes, “May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary by her words and her deeds, would let no one down, especially the human race.
Throughout history, Mary continues to appear, offering hope, comfort and salvation to all who listen to her. Today we celebrate Mary appearing to Juan Diego, a poor peasant in Guadalupe, Mexico on December 12, 1531. This was just 39 years after Columbus landed in the New World.
On this Advent Wednesday, let us not be afraid to say several times what Mary said to the Lord,
“May it be done to me according to your word.”
