Our Mission
We are a center for experiential education, rooted in the Gospels, encouraging the transformation of human consciousness through contemplation, and equipping people to be instruments of peaceful change in the world.
June 2, 2011
The Annunciation (detail), Henry Ossawa Tanner, Paris, France 1898,
The Philadelphia Museum of Art. http://www.philamuseum.org
Mary, Icon of Receptivity
The Annunciation story (Luke 1:26-38) is the crescendo point of the Biblical theme of grace. After the Madonna and child image (the essential Incarnation icon), the Annunciation is the most painted Christian scene. Did you ever notice that Mary does not say here that she is “not worthy”? She just asks for clarification. She only asks “How” because that might ask something more of her. She never asks if, whether, or why!
That is quite extraordinary and reveals her lack of ego. She becomes an archetype of perfect receptivity and total divine freedom. It takes the entire Bible to work up to one perfect vessel that knows how to say an unquestioning yes to an utterly free gift. She does it alone, quietly, and with courage, which makes March 25 the real day of the Incarnation, which is always somehow hidden away and unnoticed. Some have called it “Hidden Christmas,” nine months before we celebrate the actual birth of Jesus.
Adapted from Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality, pp. 31-32
Starter Prayer:
Here I am Lord;
I come to do your will.
If you are inspired by Fr. Richard's Daily Meditations,
please consider receiving both
Radical Grace, the publication of the CAC
and visiting the CAC Mustard Seed Resource Center!
