Advent readings are beautiful because they help us reflect on miraculous conceptions, from Elizabeth to John, Hannah to Samuel, and of course our Blessed Mother Mary to Jesus.
In today’s reading when Hannah says, “I am the woman who stood near you here, praying.” I often connect with how I too felt the Lord answer my prayer when I prayed “Lord, how can I serve you?” Soon after, He would bring the announcement of a new baby in our life.
The gift of childbirth can be the pinnacle of womanhood; therefore, it is the exact place where our intimacy and surrender can grow deeply. I often laugh with my Lord and say, “You must not have many friends if you pick up my prayers and answer so quickly!” In the depth of my heart, He knows I will struggle with fears, pain, and uncertainties for the 9 months of pregnancy, but my dependence on Him will also intensify.
As I aid in this miraculous process of knitting flesh in my womb, the secret ingredient is the Eucharist. As I consume His body, blood, soul, and divinity daily, it becomes integrated as an integral part of the baby’s body, spirit, and soul. No one exemplified the full encapsulation of the Holy Spirit better than Mary, in today’s gospel. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”
Although Mary knew she was assisting God with the greatest miracle, she was willing to say, “How can I serve you,” for 6 months she helped Elizabeth with John, who would prepare the way for the Lord.
Today, like Mary, let us ask, “How can I serve you?”
Francisca Rodriguez is the wife of David and the mother of six. She is a prayer warrior who homeschools her children and draws others into her extended family with love and compassion.