Marian Receptivity

We cannot received with clenched hands.

I'm not sure where I heard this metaphor, but I have a feeling it was from Christopher West's work on Theology of the Body. Essentially, it states that we cannot receive God's gifts for our life if we are grasping at them or if we are holding onto past attachments. It's a lesson ultimately in surrender and trust in God's goodness. It's also a lesson on Kübler-Ross's model of grief (i.e., Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance). Whatever it may be in our lives—our sanctity, our vocation, our relationships, or our career—in order to fully receive, we must remember that we serve a good Father who yearns to give us, His children, the desires of our hearts. We may not always understand, and frankly, we don't really need to understand; we just need to trust, let go, and say "yes." A Marian "yes" is a great way to theologically understand acceptance (the end goal of grief) in Kübler-Ross's model of grief.

Our Lady is a perfect example of this receptivity as seen in Luke 1:26-38.

26 "In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High;

and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever;

and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no husband?” 35 And the angel said to her,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;

therefore the child to be born will be called holy,

the Son of God.

36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her."

Mary is the perfect example of a receptive heart. Nowhere in this passage does Mary express doubt. She is initially troubled by the angel's greeting, though she quickly postures her heart to be receptive to his words. She doesn't argue with the angel. She wonders and questions how, but she never doubts.

As Christians, we will undeniably grieve in our lives as we are called to die to ourselves. Though when we resist this grieving process, we place ourselves at risk for mental illness. Thankfully, like Mary, we have a choice. We can choose to follow that example of Marian receptivity, open our clenched fists and wait on our Father's generosity. No, it's not always easy, though it's definitely worth it. Mary, who was so full of grace and trust in God's goodness, was so receptive that she received the word in her womb. May we adopt that same posture. That is the posture to recognize the goodness before us, say "yes," and receive in gratitude. The Father is waiting to lavish His generosity on you.

Pax et bonum.