Daily gospel

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel  Monday 25 March 2019  Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Thank be to God I also finished my book relating to the 15 courtyards of the garden of Mary . I would like to share with you with love the material regarding the first courtyard with love…

In Csíksomlyó we have been building a garden suitable to quieten down , for contemplation , where Jesus’ mother, Mary would have 15 courtyard where pilgrims could could stop , sit down , where they could reflect a  on part of their own lives that influenced it : eg in the first courtyard: What does it mean for me a meeting, my relation with my brothers, a dialogue ….How Mary  spoke with the angel of God…., would not I also be more successful if I would walk on the path of Mary? If I would say yes to the call of God ?!

I would like to publish these reflection in the form of a book ….of course , photos are needed now ..Unfortunately the stone slabs ordered years ago take a very long time to be ready , even though I was intending to share the photos of them for the reflections ….

From Mary’s “yes” on this beautiful day celebrated today not only the Redeemer of the world Jesus Christ , but also our faith and hope in a better world !!

With love ,

Father Csaba 

translated by dr k.e. 

Photo : A nice 16 year old daughter of ours playing the role of Mary in a play 

1. The courtyard of meeting….

The Word of God

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 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 ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ 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 holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

Luke 1, 26-38

Reflection: Mary , a young virgin aged between 16-17 year old, doing her housework , perhaps even humming a nice psalm from the Old Testament , when the angel of the Lord Gabriel appears . I am surprised with how great a respect, love this spiritual being is greeting the young, peasant girl . Their dialogue that changes the course of history of the world is short, frank ,  to the point . Mary sincerely raises her doubts , the angel explains , reasons with gentle goodness and the decision is made : Mary says “yes”for a lifetime to God’s will , accepts the Christ Child . In this courtyard lets reflect about the meetings at the turning points of our lives . God’s angel looks for, addresses Mary . The dialogue is short, respectful and successful . Upon the request of the angel Mary decides . Do I believe in the meeting , in the dialogue, in the force of the spoken word ? How open am I  regarding  those who come face to face with me and put their request into words ? Do I listen with trust to those who speak to me ? If I don’t understand something , patiently do I ask for explanations , do I dare to make decision in the light of the truths that I got to know ? Mary made Her decision after Her meeting with the archangel Gabriel , Her decision changed not only Her life but the lives of all of us . 

Let us pray :Mary , a young virgin aged between 16-17 year old, doing her housework , perhaps even humming a nice psalm from the Old Testament , when the angel of the Lord Gabriel appears . I am surprised with how great a respect, love this spiritual being is greeting the young, peasant girl . Their dialogue that changes the course of history of the world is short, frank ,  to the point . Mary sincerely raises her doubts , the angel explains , reasons with gentle goodness and the decision is made : Mary says “yes”for a lifetime to God’s will , accepts the Christ Child . In this courtyard lets reflect about the meetings at the turning points of our lives . God’s angel looks for, addresses Mary . The dialogue is short, respectful and successful . Upon the request of the angel Mary decides . Do I believe in the meeting , in the dialogue, in the force of the spoken word ? How open am I  regarding  those who come face to face with me and put their request into words ? Do I listen with trust to those who speak to me ? If I don’t understand something , patiently do I ask for explanations , do I dare to make decision in the light of the truths that I got to know ? Mary made Her decision after Her meeting with the archangel Gabriel , Her decision changed not only Her life but the lives of all of us . 

My kindhearted God , break open the shell of closed existence , address me Yourself or through Your herald , give me also Mary’s humble openness so that I’mn my meetings with my fellow human beingsI hear, understand Your holy will . I am praying for wisdom as well , that after every meeting I can make the right decisions ! Hold my hand during my journey according to Your will, so that I can move on with serving love .

We ask for God’s blessing with the intercession of Mary : Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary….

Father Csaba 

translated by dr k.e.