The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Do not be afraid.” Lk 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. The first words out of his mouth were, “Do not be afraid.” It is one of the most repeated phrases in the bible. It can also be a phrase I need to repeat to myself as I ride the emotional roller coaster named, “Pandemic”.
Since the arrival of the pandemic there has been a resurgence of new fears. Move over spiders and snakes, make room for the fear of germs (mysophobia) and the fear of crowded spaces (agorophobia).
In all seriousness, some of the fears are not irrational, but real: Many have deep concern over family members, especially those who are at risk. Others worry about financial stability, especially those in service industries whose jobs evaporated after the pandemic.
The angel Gabriel said to Mary and says to us today, “Do not be afraid.” Mary heeded this angelic command. Throughout the rest the Annunciation narrative, she models three good ways to deal with fear:
Learn more. Better understand the source of the fear. After the shocking statement that Mary will be with child, she doesn’t panic but seeks more information. She asks the simple question, “How can this be?” There is a plethora of information coming out about the status of the pandemic and how we should respond. Learning more and staying informed is good. Staying over-informed, however, is not and can actually add fuel to the fears. Keep it simple as Mary did.
Stay focused on the present. The angel let Mary know she will become the cornerstone of salvation history, and that her newborn son will establish a kingdom which will last forever. Wow! At this point, it would be easy for me to want to drill down on all the future scenarios and obstacles. Instead, Mary doesn’t fret about how this plan will unfold. She simply stays in the present and says, “Be it done to me.”
Help others. After receiving the news from the Angel, Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is also dealing with her own fears of as an elderly woman now with child. Mary deduces she’ll need some support and stays with her for three months. Doing something positive is a good way to counteract fear. If that involves helping others, even better.
As we try to navigate through this pandemic, we need to always keep God in the equation, especially as we face some of the more desperate situations. The angel closed with words to remind us who is really controlling events even when things appear most terrifying, and words that can keep us from giving up: “Nothing is impossible for God.”
Post note on picture. As I descend the stairs to the my dock for morning prayer, I pass by this statue of Mary. It reminds me to consider my intentions for the day, and say the Memorare, another practice that helps me with my fears:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.