“Nothing is Impossible for God”

When the Stewardship Committee and I settled on the theme for this year, we were drawn to these words of the Archangel Gabriel to Our Lady.

Who, could have conceived of the good news that God almighty would become one of us? The all-powerful takes on weakness, the all-knowing becomes a baby, the eternal is born in space and time. Even the words of the prophets were veiled. Receiving this truth requires our willingness to hear the good news!

Our Lady received the message of the archangel with joy and faith. Her response asks about the path forward, not doubt nor denial.

Last week, I came across this gem on humility: “The seventh step of humility is that a man not only admits with his tongue but is also convinced in his heart that he is inferior to all and of less value…” (The Rule of St. Benedict, 37).

This is important: to express with our words and believe it in our hearts. It runs contrary to pride to see everyone else’s virtues as greater than mine. Roy Schoeman, a convert to the faith, claims to have had been given a conversation with the Blessed Mother. He asked, “How can it be that you are so exalted?” She responded, “No, you don’t understand, I am nothing, and He is everything.”

Everything she is and ever did proclaims the greatness of the Lord. Remembering that He is everything not only applies to lives of the saints, but to everything that we are and will ever do! The life of the saints and our lives become living icons.

I have been told at various times, “this is impossible” to which I answer, “not if God wills it.” In the months between picking this theme and unveiling it to you, I can attest that things labeled impossible are unfurling before us!

Finally, Mary answered Gabriel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Behold, look, observe, and see. Filled with His grace, and in conformity to His will, she is inviting others to see the wonderous good news!

Thus the good news of the fire of divine love is received, believed, lived, and proclaimed to the world.

Nothing is Impossible for God

Pax,

Father John Mosimann