“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45).
I do not like to take risks and neither does my husband. I often reflect on this and think – well, at least in this we are well matched…
And I was reading a story about an acrobat in the 1800s who pushed an empty wheelbarrow across a tightrope over Niagara Falls… The acrobat’s name was Blondin. One day – after watching this daring feat, a reporter told Blondin he was marvellous and could do anything. Blondin replied, “Do you believe I can do anything on a tightrope?” To which the reporter replied, “Oh yes, Mr Blondin.” Blondin then replied, “Do you believe, that I can do it with a full wheelbarrow?” and the reported responded to the affirmative. “In that case, get into the wheelbarrow!”
And though it is a funny (and true) story about the faith of this man in himself, it occurred to me that it was also a reminder in my LACK of faith in God.
You see, God walks a tightrope with a wheelbarrow every day. And God – who can do ANYTHING – is more than capable of doing such a daring and “risky” thing. And yet, God does not ask us to do anything more than get inside that wheelbarrow and trust in Him…
And it is not as though we do not have evidence that He will look after us. After all, Our Heavenly Mother got into the wheelbarrow. I mean, what could be more risky than to say YES to the MOST bizarre and unusual conception the world has ever or will ever know?
And I know that when Our Blessed Mother took a risk like that, God looked after her all the way along the wheelbarrow. It was not as though it were easy. After all, there is wind and danger on that tightrope, but those earthly sufferings are as NOTHING if we could only get to the other side, which is Heaven itself…
“Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.’” (Luke 1:39-45).
And I just sit here today and reflect. Because Saint Elizabeth is right… Blessed is She who believed! For the Word was fulfilled in her – and through HER belief the whole world was saved.
No wonder the Queen of Heaven is considered the Masterpiece of Creation…
For, who could ever love their Lord and God as She loves Him? And who could ever climb into the wheelbarrow so trustingly?
And how could one such as I, ever thank the Queen of Heaven for her faith? How could I?
For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.