“Key of David, Nothing Impossible for You” by Beth DeCristofaro
The LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, "I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!" (Isaiah 7:10-12)
And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. …for nothing will be impossible for God. Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:28-30, 37-38)
Piety
O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel,
controlling at your will the gate of heaven:
Come, break down the prison walls of death
for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death;
and lead your captive people into freedom
controlling at your will the gate of heaven:
Come, break down the prison walls of death
for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death;
and lead your captive people into freedom
(O Antiphon Liturgy of the Hours)
Study
Much has been written of Ahaz’ refusal to “ask” contrasted to Mary’s “yes” to God. Sometimes my prayers are more like Ahaz: God “I want” “I want” but inside the small voice says “that’s probably not happening” rather than the beautiful May it be done to me according to your word. Mary was most likely shocked at the apparition of a divine messenger! Yet this poor peasant woman accepted that God’s will for her would bring grace beyond her wildest dreams and far outweigh womanly, motherly hardship. Did she deeply know in that moment of “yes” nothing will be impossible for God?
Ahaz thought that the King of Assyria was his key to success. Maybe he actually thought he was saving his people from annihilation. Mary accepted the key to salvation, Jesus, as her son and thus became the key to God’s breaking into the world. Jesus, Key of David, became human in all its vulnerability. He willingly experienced rejection, ridicule, and murder as he opened the gates of eternal life and heaven to us. Our experience of human indignity, misery, pain and of course gratefulness are keys we can use to open our hearts further to God because he accepted it. For nothing will be impossible for God.
Action
Humble and faithful Jewish girl, Mary shows us, also faithful followers, how to serve as a key to Jesus’ friendship growing ever closer. Pray the O Antiphon. What might Christ help us close up because it impedes our relationship with Him and with others? What within us do we need Christ to open so that we grow in Him? He welcomes our “ask” and our “yes” for nothing will be impossible for God!
As we prepare for Christmas, ask May it be done to me according to your word?
Illustration: Stained Glass Window in the Chapter House of Benedictine Abbey of Regina Laudis, Bethlehem, Connecticut
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