Daily Step – The hope of Mary’s yes

A couple nights ago, my twins fell asleep on me.

I asked my husband: “When was the last time they did this?” He responded: “Probably when they were babies.” I think he’s right, it has been a really long time. Instead of taking them to bed right away, I just sat with them for awhile… breathing in their sudden smallness.

Today, it’s still Lent (I know, feels like the longest Lent ever)… but the church pauses today to celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord. In the Gospel, we see Mary at the start of it all – breathing in the message of Jesus for the very first time.

Hope in the midst of fear.

Mary’s yes to love.

I found this examen on Xavier University’s Prayer index. They recently updated the index to include a category of prayers for the coronavirus.

So take a moment with me this morning and breathe in hope, and breathe out love for all creation.

“I pause (breathe in and out) and thank you for this day. For the challenges, the emotions, the struggle. For in all this, I grow closer to you.

I pause (breathe in and out) and ask that in the darkness, I see your light and in my fear, I feel your strength.

I pause (breathe in and out) and remember that today, As in days before, I have survived. When I’ve wanted to run, I’ve stayed. When I wanted to hide, I’ve faced the day.

I pause (breathe in and out) and ask for forgiveness for The days I falter and the disease takes over. I ask for compassion and love when I’m unable to give those to myself.

I pause (breathe in and out) and resolve to love myself more tomorrow. And always feel your spirit surround me in safety.

I pause (breathe in and out) and rest.”⠀
(Examen by Erin Roush)

Breathe in hope, breathe out love.

And revel for a moment in the promise of Mary’s yes.

⠀