Memorial Of St. Pius V, Pope And Religious

Today is the last day of April, and we are celebrating the feast that began the Marian month of May. In the gospel, we read the story of Mary and the Archangel Gabriel’s appearance at the Annunciation. Mary accepted God’s will completely and willingly.

However, there were tough times ahead of her. She had to flee to Egypt and look for the child for three days with her spouse in Jerusalem. There would be days when the wine ran out, and life seemed empty and dry. It’s the story of our Lady, and it’s also the story of our lives, where we encounter challenges and experience emptiness.

We all have a story to tell about our encounters with God and the challenges we face. It could be about the death of a loved one, the loss of a friendship or marriage, a search for love and acceptance, or a thirst for meaning and significance. Some may struggle with guilt, disappointments, rejection, or regrets.

Others may fear what is or what might be, and still others may long for something they cannot name or describe. Most of us have experienced unanswered prayers, doubts, or questions, and some of us are still living those stories today.

Our relationship with God, our inner life, and our way of being are the essential aspects of our lives, more than the circumstances outside us. Christ transforms our lives and turns water into wine through the initiative and intercession of Mary. The Word Incarnate proclaims the Word of God, and that which is silent speaks volumes.

Let us pray with Mary, the Queen of Apostles, who stood with the Apostles in prayer as they waited for the gift of the Holy Spirit. May she remain the Queen of Africa, and through her maternal intercession, may Christ’s glory be revealed, and we will shine with the radiance of his glory. His glory becomes ours, two lives, one glory, united with the Godhead.

Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho