Question of the Week - The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today I would like to encourage you who have faithfully prayed for many months or years for the impossible to become possible in your life or the life of another. This Gospel reminder—“[N]othing will be impossible for God”—is a word of encouragement for each of us to keep praying and trusting in God’s timing and God’s divine plan. Perhaps our most vital connection with today’s Gospel (see Luke 1:26-38) is with Elizabeth’s story, for she waited several years for the seemingly impossible to happen in her life too.
If we were together today, face-to-face, I would sing to you “Bambelela,” a traditional South African refrain. As translated by Mairi Munro and Martine Stemerick, this encouraging song reminds us: “You must never give up, never give up, never give up, never give up. Never, never, never, never, never, no never, never give up!”
Remember, Saint Monica never gave up praying for Augustine’s conversion, and he eventually became one of the great Doctors of the Church! Simeon and Anna never gave up praying that they would live to see the Promised One, and they did indeed see the baby Jesus! Many of our grandmothers, mothers, and holy ones have prayed for us since our births. Their sacrifices and prayers have carried us through many difficult situations and blessed our lives in many untold ways.
If you have grown weary of praying and if hope is dim, meditate today on the angel’s words to Mary. Cup your hands before you and name aloud all the things you need to surrender to God’s care. Then raise your hands and surrender those things to God, saying, “God, receive my prayer. I believe that nothing will be impossible for you. Amen.”
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. Also, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.