homily_Dec18

When I find myself in times of trouble,

mother Mary comes to me,

speaking words of wisdom:

“Let it be.”

And in my hour of darkness,

she is standing right in front of me,

speaking words of wisdom:

“Let it be.”

Those famous words from a Beatles song are open to many interpretations. But at least one interpretation can serve as a key to unlock today's gospel. On this last Sunday of Advent, Mother Mary comes to us in a scriptural scene which is the greatest moment of her life. As she stands before the Angel Gabriel, Mary changes the course of history by agreeing to become the mother of Jesus.

This is Mary's greatest moment—greater than giving birth in Bethlehem , greater than standing at the foot of the cross, greater than being assumed into heaven. For in this moment, Mary utters the greatest prayer ever offered. Her prayer is “Let it be.” “Let it be done to me according to your word.” In this moment, Mary reveals herself as the first and greatest disciple and provides a model that all subsequent disciples must follow. Mary's prayer tells us that the foundation of the Christian life is accepting the will of God. She is our model because to believe we too must surrender to God's purposes.

Now following the example of Mary is not easy, because all of us want to be in control. We want to call our own shots in life. We want to determine how to move from A to B. With the best of reasons, we want to bring about good things for ourselves and for those that we love. Therefore, when things happen that we cannot control, when hurts occur that we cannot heal, when troubles come that we cannot escape, our life is thrown into turmoil and confusion. We loose sleep; our stomach churns; we beat our head against the wall. All because we cannot determine what we should do . Mary tells us that what we should do is surrender, surrender to God. To follow Jesus we must accept those things in life that we cannot control or change.

Surrender is truly the foundation of the Christian life. Yet it is important to understand that surrender is not neglect. Surrender is not “letting God do it” and avoiding our own responsibilities. For whenever in life a clear path is shown to something that is good, we are obliged to follow it. Whenever there is an opportunity for reconciliation, healing, growth, or understanding, we know that it is God's will for us to act. We must take responsibility and do what is right. But we also know how often things are not clear, that there is no viable option to take, that there nothing we are able to do. It is in those moments that we must surrender.

So surrender is not neglect, nor is it giving up. Surrender is not throwing in the towel in a desperate act of frustration. Surrender is not giving up, it is handing over, handing over to God. As believers, we understand that there are things that we cannot do, but God can. There are things we do not understand, but God does. There are many times where we are not in control, but God is. Believers hand over to God, what is impossible, what is unclear, what is painful, realizing that God will do what we cannot do. In the end, surrender is trust.

So if there are troubles and divisions in your family, which you cannot heal, surrender them to God who can. If there are people in your life, that you cannot change or protect from harm, entrust them to God who will not abandon them. If you wake up yet another morning, with a pain that you cannot relieve, hand it over to God who will carry that burden with you.

When you find yourself in times of trouble,

mother Mary comes to you,

speaking words of wisdom:

“Let it be.”

And in your hour of darkness,

she is standing right in front of you,

speaking words of wisdom:

“Let it be.”

Mary points to a truth

which only faith can see:

There will be an answer,

Let it be.