"Do whatever He tells you" - Advice from our Blessed Mother

Image via WikipediaOn the 6th of December 2008, the Lourdes experience was held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium to celebrate the 150th year of our Mother appearance to St Bernadette. You can read about the event HERE.

During his homily, the Archbishop Nicholas Chia has made a very interesting and powerful message that I would like to share with you here in full and I quote:

“AT THE ANNUNCIATION, God spoke through the Archangel Gabriel: ʻYou shall conceive and bear a sonʼ,” Archbishop Nicholas Chia reminded the worshippers during his homily.

Mary could not understand how she was to conceive as a virgin but when she learnt that it was Godʼs will, she consented, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word.”

In her response, Mary is teaching us to have faith in God and to do Godʼs will and not our own will, the archbishop said.

In the flight to Egypt, Mary and Joseph carried out the word of God at a cost without complaining, making the long journey to Egypt and living there in exile.

Archbishop Chia explained that Mary teaches us that sacrifice is part of carrying out Godʼs will.

At the Presentation in the temple, Mary could not understand the word of God communicated through Simeon: “A sword shall pierce your heart”. She could not understand but she did not dismiss the message. Rather, she kept it in her heart. This, Archbishop Chia said, is to teach us that at times we may not understand the word of God, but like Mary we must not be impatient but take time to reflect on Godʼs message and patiently wait for enlightenment from God.

In the mystery of the Visitation, Mary carried Jesus in her womb and brought him to Elizabeth and John the Baptist. The message for us is that we too must bring Jesus, the Word of God, to our fellowmen by our word and example.

At the wedding feast in Cana, she brought the attention of Jesus to the needs of the wedding couple: “They have no wine left”. And Jesus changed the water into wine. Here we see the powerful intercession of Mary, Archbishop Chia continued. She continues to intercede for us, he added. And like her we must also pray and intercede for others.

Furthermore, Mary told the stewards: “Do whatever He tells you”. In the Gospels, these are the only words of Mary addressed to human beings. Other words by our Blessed Mother are addressed to God. So these words are of special significance. Maryʼs message to us is that we are to carry out Godʼs will in our life, Archbishop Chia concluded.

Unquote

Sources : Catholic News Sunday December 21,2008 page 11