My first thought when reading this passage might be: Actions speak louder than words. But let’s take it a little deeper.
Most of us were baptized as infants, and somebody else said the “yes” for us. At some point I implicitly said the “yes” – insofar as I choose to continue as a member of the Church. But there can be great benefit in making my “yes” explicit.
The decision to be part of this community of disciples called the Church is a living commitment. I can’t make a decision like that and then store it in a safety deposit box.
When the decision becomes my own, there is initial contentment. This may continue for a long time. But I can expect some crises/temptations along the way. My decision to be a disciple of the Lord, ultimately, will have to be reaffirmed and re-owned many times over.
During the Advent season, I think about Mary’s “yes” to God: “Behold I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” There is a certain exhilaration in making a decision like that, expressing it to God in words, being explicitly aware of it along the way, and consciously renewing it as her life unfolded.
How am I doing with my commitment to the Lord?
- Little Blue Book, December 16