December 17: Wednesday of the Third Week in Advent 

“O Lord, I cannot understand your ways but I must adore them” (Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers) 

Today’s Gospel reading focuses on Luke’s description of the Annunciation. Many years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Florence and of viewing the many frescos by Fra Angelico in the Convent of San Marco, which became a Dominican monastery. Every monk’s cell had one of Fra Angelico’s frescoes on one of its walls. The most prominent of the frescoes at San Marco was that of the Annunciation which was painted at the top of a stairway in one of the common areas of the monastery. 

The image is rendered with a great sense of simplicity – simplicity in the few shapes used as well as in the muted color scheme. That simplicity helps conveys a sense of awe and reverence for a pivotal moment in the unfolding story of the Incarnation. The Angel Gabriel and Mary share the spotlight as Fra Angelico captures Mary’s reaction to Gabriel’s startling announcement that Mary is to give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. 

Mary’s expression seems to be one of confusion and anxiety. Gabriel tries to anticipate Mary’s concern with the words, “Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God”. Mary’s expression could also convey a sense of calmness – as if she is willing to trust that God will be with her in this act of faith. “Here I am, the servant of the Lord. Let it be done according to your word”. Later, when Mary visits with her cousin Elizabeth, her cousin utters the words: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled”. 

There have been countless times in our own personal lives in which we have experienced confusion and anxiety over a crisis situation that has us saying to ourselves: How did this situation come about? How will I get through it? How do I resolve it? I need time to think about my response and, above all, to pray about it. It is only after we explore all the possible resolutions while conversing about it with God can we then respond as best we can and most importantly to trust that God is with me in the process of resolving this situation. 

“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled”. 

Loving God, help me to always trust in your constant presence, not only at times of formal prayer but at any time throughout our day, and that it will guide me through my times of confusion and anxiety. 

Brother Edward Rice, CFX