We are not born with this shield. Our human nature trusted our parents to provide for all of our needs when infants. It is through our disappointments in others and the pain that we have experienced that we erect the wall, of what we falsely believe is protection.
On this Feast of the Immaculate Conception, I cannot help but reflect upon the ability of Mary to remain open in spite of the disappointments and pain she experienced. In her complete surrender to God, she accepted what He allowed in her life, because she completely believed in Him and His love for her no matter how things seemed or looked. A hard thing to accomplish, impossible without His grace.
From the Incarnation of the Lord, to the travels to the stable Bethlehem because there was no room in at the inn, she trusted even though, in human terms, it would appear she had been abandoned by God.
From the fleeing in the night with Joseph, to the knowledge of the slaying of the Holy Innocents, to standing in the front of the house of Pilate to shouts of "crucify Him", to the walk to Calvary and the death of her Son, Mary continued to love, building no shield, and allowing nothing to separate her from God's love. Not even indescribable pain.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, may we, each one of us, learn to cling, not to ourselves or others, but like Mary, to Jesus Christ, Mercy Himself who brings us joy and salvation.
Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion 
Leave a comment