Mary was the keeper of that presence: preserving, protecting, nourishing and loving. God’s Spirit enlivened his presence in her -- she grew in blessedness and grace as the Son of God grew within her.

This humbles me and inspires me to grow like our Blessed Mother: in grace, surrender, patience, silence, service and witness:

Surrender – I can learn to consent to God’s will: be it done unto me according to God’s word. (Lk 1:38) This involves living no longer for myself, but for others – until I live no longer I, but Christ who lives in me. (Gal 2:20)

Patience – I can learn to be patient with how God is growing me and growing in me – even when growth seems three steps forward, two steps back. I can be mindful that the Lord is indeed changing me, so that a new creation – a better, more Christ-centered version of myself – can be born. (James 1:3-4)

Quietude – I can learn to keep the noise of the world in my heart (not react emotionally) and ponder them in God’s quiet presence (Lk 2:19). Bringing the vagaries of my day – the struggles, joys, questions and challenges – to the Lord in silence, I allow him to say the word that heals my soul. Come Lord Jesus.

Service – I can learn to recognize the needs of others and be emboldened to offer help, as Mary did for Elizabeth, her cousin, while both were pregnant. I can be encouraged that from my sacrifice of doing for others, I will be doing for God (Mt 25:40-45), in essence loving God by loving others. (Jn 13:35)

Witness – It has been said that we, too, are tabernacles of Christ: that each time we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, Jesus then dwells in us. So I pray to learn how to abide in the Lord who abides in me (1 Jn 4:16). So that I can live not only as tabernacle but also as monstrance. So that when people see me, they see Jesus truly present in me.

I tremble when I consider Jesus dwelling in me - I'm so flawed, frail, unworthy. And so, I am grateful to say at Mass, with deep humility and all sincerity, this impossible truth: “Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof; but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

Then as I receive Jesus, I say “Amen”. So be it. I consent. Yes. Be it done unto me according to your word. I gratefully acknowledge that the goodness and mercy of God are greater than my confounding sins and meager gifts. Despite my flaws, the Lord says the word and I am healed – called to be Jesus’ tabernacle – and monstrance.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Mary for her example of how to live those blessings. Amen.