Reflection:

Whether you follow the readings of the day or mark the Memorial of Our Lady, Mother and Queen, the readings give us the clear message that nothing is impossible for God. The Old Testament stories of God protecting the chosen people, whom we know, were often in difficulties or the Prophecies of the Messiah and the Annunciation to Mary, God is the all-seeing, all-powerful protector.

It is easy to be drawn into stories of heroes who achieve the impossible. Movies and books thrive on our imagination that a hero will come and make the impossible situations of our life disappear, and a life of prosperity, peace and joy will take its place. Real life doesn’t always provide those ready heroes. And yet, we all experience miracles; we all achieve the impossible at one time or another. Sometimes we have to have our eyes open to recognise it.

Those occasional moments when what seems impossible becomes a reality take my breath away. It is easy to call it a coincidence, but faith tells me God has a hand in this.  The impossible requires our best efforts, our determination and skill and a little more time than the ordinary. Just ask Gideon, Isaiah and Mary, Mother and Queen – clear signs that nothing is impossible with God. Enjoy a miracle today.

Margaret Bentley is a Salesian Sister and is currently the Academic Manager at the English Language Studies for Pastoral Ministry (ELSPM) begun by the Passionists in 2014 to enable their students to learn English before continuing to the Novitiate or theological studies.