Whenever I download an app, I always scroll down past all the small print and just click ‘YES’. Is it because I don’t care what I’m signing up to and who I’m sharing my location and contact list with? No, it’s because I’m downloading from someone I trust; I trust that Apple, Google or EA aren’t going abuse my trust and use my information inappropriately. I respond very differently when a random pop up in my browser tells me I need to update a virus checker I don’t have!
When the angel Gabriel asked Mary if she would bear God’s son, she questioned him and felt fearful and unworthy. Gabriel’s response was to assure her that “The power of the most high will cover you”. This was all Mary needed to hear. She didn’t need all the answers, or even the ultimate destination. Knowing that God wanted to take her on an adventure and would be with her every step of the way was enough for her to say “YES”. As well as knowing the Holy Spirit was with her, she also knew she needed a supportive community around her. She wasted no time in setting off to her cousin Elizabeth even though she lived a hundred miles away.
I can relate to this part of Mary’s story the most right now. To introduce myself, my name is Ric and next month my little family and I will travel 100+ miles from Manchester to make our home in Hartlepool. In January I will take up the role as your new Youth Ministry Co-ordinator. Like Mary, I am unsure of the exact shape this new adventure will take, but I am confident that God is calling me to this challenge and therefore “The power of the most high will cover” us in the midst of all of all my fear, unworthiness and uncertainty.
As well as the trust I have in God, I also feel confident in saying “YES” to your parish community’s invitation to minister to your young people. Today’s readings are strong on imagery about shepherds. I’ve already experienced many inspirational people in your community, both Priests and lay people, who ‘shepherd’ a vision that Holy Family is a living church, with a future. A future that involves every young person being welcomed into relationships of trust where they can say “YES” to the next step of their journey with God -regardless of where they currently are.
This is all I need to know, not only to give my initial “YES”, but - like Mary did throughout Jesus’ life- to continue to say “YES” as together we face the challenges of leading our young people and each other closer to Christ.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: In which area of my life is God inviting me to give Him my YES?
Are there things in my life I’ve given an initial YES to where I realise I need to renew my assent?
