The island of Molokai was the place where people were sent when they were
diagnosed with leprosy. They were cut off from the mainland, separated from
their families, and left to live and die alone. It was a place where hope
slowly disappeared. The bishop, seeing their suffering, desired to bring them
at least one gift, the presence of Christ. He wanted the Holy Mass to be
celebrated there, sins to be forgiven, and hearts to be prepared for a peaceful
death. But one question remained. Who will go. It was not an easy mission, and
no one was forced. Among those who heard
this call was a young priest named Damien. He knew the risk, that if he went,
he might never return, yet he stepped forward and said yes. He went and lived
among the people, not as an outsider but as one of them. He touched those whom
others feared to touch, prayed with them, built for them, and slowly brought
dignity to a forgotten place. Years later, he himself would become sick, and
the Church would recognise his holiness, honouring him as Saint Damien of
Molokai. That one, yes brought hope where there was despair.
This simple story leads us into the Gospel of today, Luke 1:26 to 38. The angel brings the message, but heaven does
not impose. The future of salvation stands before Mary, and God respects her
freedom. Only after her words, “Let it be done to me according to your word”
(Luke 1:38), does the mystery unfold. God waits, not because He is powerless,
but because He loves.
In the Old Testament, we see this same pattern in the call of Isaiah. The
Lord asks, “Whom shall I send?” (Isaiah 6:8). There is no force, only
invitation, and Isaiah responds, “Here am I, send me.” Mary’s yes becomes the
fulfilment of all such moments. She does not simply accept a mission. She
offers her whole self, and through her yes, God enters human history.
In our daily life, God continues to wait. He waits in our families, where
forgiveness is delayed, where love is tested, and where prayer is often
neglected. He waits in religious life, where routine can slowly replace zeal,
and where He invites us again to deeper surrender.
John Paul II once said, “Do not be
afraid to give yourself completely to Christ.” Fear often holds us back. We
want to understand everything before we say yes, but Mary did not, and Damien
did not. They trusted. There is a quiet truth in today’s feast. God does not
ask for perfect people. He asks for willing hearts. He does not force the door.
He waits for it to be opened. A forgotten island received hope because one
young priest said yes, and the world received salvation because a young woman
said yes. Today, God is still waiting, am I ready to say yes to the will of
God?
Lord, give me the grace to say yes to Your will, Amen.
#DailyGospelReflection, #The Search1994,
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God Bless...
Oh!!! How wonderful message,
ReplyDeleteAn Empowering message
ReplyDeleteThank you Father for your powerful and beautiful reflection 🙏
ReplyDelete