This piece was originally published by New Melleray Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey in Dubuque, Iowa. It was also published in Marianist Soundings vol. 8, no. 2, 2004 (NACMS).
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[Scripture Readings: Zeph 3: 14-18a; Lk 1: 39-56]
I've got a secret. It's for me to know and for you to find out. How petulant can you get? This is hardly the way to win friends and influence people. If two or more know, it might not be a secret very long. Yet one can remain obtuse and disclose no further information about the nature of the subject.
In today’s Gospel, Mary had a secret. For the time being it could have remained that way. What could she have possibly said after receiving such a revelation from an angelic messenger? "All of a sudden, my heart sings." How could she contain herself? She had heard a secret that affected the whole human race. What could impel her to send her charging over hill and dale for a relative understanding of the event? What would be more natural than to confide in one whom she could trust to fathom her position?
She was very young, and her adviser had the wisdom that normally comes with age. And both were in the same condition, for the first time realizing a birth of a child in the course of time. Common grounds for mutual encouragement would make the friendship stronger. The very presence of each other would only bolster what they already knew and felt.
"Our God comes; he keeps silence no longer." Eventually Jesus will deliver the message of God's justice and mercy. He would reveal to others things they perhaps would like to remain secret. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to the morality of personal behavior. The way we stand before God, our neighbor, and our own self has eternal repercussions. We have been given the chance to live our faith. Sheer gratitude for everything offered us is a real form of thanksgiving and should never remain a secret.
For Reflection:
- Name an area of your life where you can no longer remain silent.
- How is God calling you to share this information?
- Is your spirituality barren or filled with new life?