A Letter from Our Director
Dear Friends,
When someone asks a favor of us, we usually try to answer that person carefully because we never know what he/she might ask of us. Am I able to do what is asked? Do I have the time to do what is asked? Will it cost me anything (time, energy, money, etc.)? Hopefully, as followers of Christ, we don’t hesitate too often when this happens, and we respond with an affirmative.
December is the month for the liturgical season of Advent. During this special time of year we are reminded of someone whose answer to a request turned the course of history. Everything that God wanted to give us hung on Mary’s response to the angel, “Let it be done to me according to your Word.” It reflected Mary’s desire to cooperate in God’s plan.
Mary is always our model, but is especially so during the season of Advent. God asks our cooperation as well in the plan of salvation. Advent tends to be filled with busyness, and it is difficult on some days to stay focused leading up to the great feast of Christmas. But focus we must! Watch we must! Wait we must! God will ask favors of us. The “favor” may come in the form of an intrusion, an unwanted message, a sick friend, a Giving Tree at your parish, time to spend with God in quiet prayer.
Yes, Mary is our model, the model of how God chooses to interact with us and how we are to interact with one another. God will ask – and we will respond. When that happens, remember Mary’s response: “Yes” to bringing Christ into the world.
All of us here at the Conference/Retreat Center pray that Advent will find you waiting for God’s requests with joy-filled and hope-full hearts. May you and your families experience the happiest of Christmases this year!
Advent/Christmas Blessings!
The IHM Conference/Retreat Center Staff
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