Monday 8 April is the Feast of the Annunciation. Fr Tim Radcliffe in his book, Questioning God, identifies the many times in scripture where God initiates the dialogue with humanity and enters our world through conversation. Sometimes the conversation is directly with God, as it was for Moses, and at other times through the person of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or an angel of the Lord.  The Annunciation is one such time. This meeting between the angel and Mary, whilst dramatic and initially alarming for Mary, is another example of God entering this world through a conversation; a conversation that God begins. Once the angel is able to reassure Mary and relieve some of her fear, there is space and freedom for Mary to show her confusion, disbelief, ask her questions and finally, give her answer. Mary moves from questioning her worthiness to humbly participating in God’s will, accepting that God will be with her throughout what is ahead. When we stand in awe of the mystery of God, we can find ourselves both frightened and attracted and perplexed.

God can enter our lives in unexpected and subtle ways; through the giggle of a child, a stunning sunset at the end of a cloudy, dull day, an appreciated but unexpected apology, laughter with friends, a caring gesture from another, a much needed smile or listening to music that moves the soul.  “And in these things and in our emotional responses in particular, we are surprised to experience God’s presence. To experience something we know not what!  Something outside of ourselves. Something transcendent.” (James Martin, December 20, 2010).

James Martin, SJ writes about how God can enter our lives in this way when we are asked to take on a role or responsibility that we first think is beyond us and we can feel perplexed, confused and unworthy.  Mary’s example reminds us to stay curious and have the courage to ask our questions and move from fear to freely and humbly participate.  God sees us with loving eyes, initiates a conversation and invites our loving response and participation. God meets us through prayer, through other people and through nature and invites us to co-create and in our freedom, we respond.

During this Easter season and especially on the Feast of the Annunciation, let’s be aware of the presence of God in our lives and willingly accept the invitation to listen and respond with love, humility, awe and gratitude, just as Mary did and reflect God’s love to others. Don’t let fear stop us from living life to the full.