SEEN ~ The Sydney Opera House  and Harbor Bridge are seen at sunset July 21.  On a pylon of the bridge was a message from World Youth Day that read " Thank You, Sydney."  (CNS/ Paul Haring)

HEARD ~ At the conclusion of the WYD mass, the Pope introduced the Angelus: This scene (of the Annunciation) is perhaps the pivotal moment in the history of God’s relationship with his people.  During the Old Testament, God revealed himself partially, gradually, as we all do in our personal relationships.  It takes time to get to know and love another person.  It took time for the chosen people to develop their relationship with God.  The Covenant with Israel was like a period of courtship, a long engagement.  Then came the definitive moment, the moment of marriage, the establishment of a new and everlasting covenant.  As Mary stood before the Lord, she represented the whole of humanity.  In the angel’s message, it was as if God made a marriage proposal to the human race.  And in our name, Mary said yes.

In fairy tales, the story ends there, and all “live happily ever after”.  In real life it is not so simple.   For Mary there were many struggles ahead, as she lived out the consequences of the “yes” that she had given to the Lord.  Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce her heart.  When Jesus was twelve years old, she experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when, for three days, the child went missing.  And after his public ministry, she suffered the agony of witnessing his crucifixion and death.  Throughout her trials she remained faithful to her promise, sustained by the Spirit of fortitude.  And she was gloriously rewarded.

Dear young people, we too must remain faithful to the “yes” that we have given to the Lord’s offer of friendship.  We know that he will never abandon us.  We know that he will always sustain us through the gifts of the Spirit.  Mary accepted the Lord’s “proposal” in our name.  So let us turn to her and ask her to guide us as we struggle to remain faithful to the life-giving relationship that God has established with each one of us.  She is our example and our inspiration, she intercedes for us with her Son, and with a mother’s love she shields us from harm.