Joy in prayer: Responding in love

Handwritten prayer about Mary responding in love, displayed on a yellow note beside a computer keyboard.

A Thought to Begin

“Mary does not react in fear. She responds in love.”

—A thought I heard during a Lenten program

Scripture

“Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.’”

—Luke 1:38 (NABRE)

Reflection

I am a note-taker.

When I hear something that touches a place in my mind, my heart, and my soul, I write it down. I hang Post-it notes with quotes and meaningful thoughts on my computer, on my cubicle wall, and anywhere else I will see them.

A few months ago, I heard something that stopped me:

“Mary does not react in fear. She responds in love.”

I loved that thought. I wrote it on a Post-it note and taped it to my monitor.

I don’t remember exactly where I heard it. I think it may have been during a Lenten program from Ascension or Hallow—two Catholic resources I often listen to. Although I have not been able to confirm where the words originated, I remember how deeply they touched me.

Mary does not react in fear.

She responds in love.

Wow.

It is such a beautiful thought—and such helpful guidance for me. I try not to be a reactive person, but the truth is, I often am.

Luke tells us that Mary was greatly troubled, and Gabriel told her not to be afraid. Mary was not untouched by fear. But she did not allow fear to determine her response. She listened, asked her question, trusted God, and said yes.

Since writing those words down, I have read and prayed with them several times a day.

The past seven months have brought both tremendous joy and tremendous fear to our family. Two of our sons were married—very joy-filled moments. During that same time, my husband suffered two strokes—very frightening moments.

Through the joy, the fear, and the uncertainty of this season, those words have continued to guide me.

Mary does not react in fear. She responds in love.

Then one day, as I read the note again, something more happened. I was suddenly filled with new thoughts, a deeper meaning, and an even greater love for the guidance Mary gives me.

A prayer began to fill my heart:

Mary does not react in fear.
She responds in love.

Mary does not react in anger.
She responds in love.

Mary does not react in frustration.
She responds in love.

Mary does not react in stress.
She responds in love.

Mary does not react with impatience.
She responds in love.

Guide me, Blessed Mother.
Teach me to live as you lived
and to respond in love always.

Mary, pray with me and help me remain united to your Son.

Amen.

I received this prayer as a gift from the Holy Spirit and as a beautiful invitation from God, offered through the guidance of the Blessed Mother. As I continue to unwrap these words, I see God showing me where to take the feelings that lead me away from Him. He is teaching me how to let my life move closer to Mary’s faithful yes.

Believe me when I tell you that I am truly a work in progress. But I have more hope now that, little by little, I may be inching closer.

Something to Think About…

Where in my life might God be inviting me to pause before I react and, with Mary’s guidance, respond in love?