A constant “Here I Am”

The Sistine Madonna by Raphael Sanzio, 1513-1514

I came across a news story this week with a quote from our Holy Father, a beautiful reminder about our Blessed Mother’s role in salvation history. Feeling called to pass it along, here’s food for thought today.

Pope Benedict XVI recently screened Mary of Nazareth, a film directed by Giacomo Campiotti. The film focuses on three female characters, Herodias, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Nazareth, whose lives cross but who choose different paths. After viewing the film, the Pope said (emphasis mine):

“… the center (of the film) is Mary of Nazareth who possesses the wealth of a life that has been a “Here I am” for God. She is a mother who would have always wanted to keep her son at her side, but she knows that He is God. Her faith and her love are so great that she can accept Him leaving to accomplish His mission. Her life is a constant “Here I am”, said to God from the Annunciation until the Cross”.

Is your life a constant here I am?  What changes can you make in accord with God’s will to remain in a receptive posture?  May our Blessed Mother’s example inspire us all.