Here I Am, Lord!

I recently read the quote below by St. John Paul II:

“In your heart and on your lips God places three little words that are so important in the Bible: ‘Here I am.’ They were spoken by the Son of God when he came into the world and his whole life was a constant prompt response of ‘here I am” to his heavenly Father. ‘Here I am’ was the Virgin Mary’s response to the Angel of the Annunciation when she humbly accepted the mission to be Mother of Jesus and, hence, Mother of the Church. And ‘here I am’ must be our response too.” – St. John Paul II

As I reflect on St. John Paul II's words at the start of this new year, I am compelled to renew my commitment to our Lord by making “Here I Am” my daily prayer and intention. Here I am, Lord. Trusting only You. Surrendering my plans in service of Your Divine Will.

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My “Here I Am” in action might look like:

Consecrating myself to Him every morning, professing my willingness to accept all that He allows into my life that day. That means accepting the “feel-good” blessings as well as those blessings that come disguised as trials.
Inviting peace in my world by consciously choosing peaceful, compassionate thoughts and words towards others, especially towards those who reside at the same address as I do ;-) .
Praying for the grace to be more humble and more submissive in my marriage.
Praying for an open heart and an open mind to see myself and others more clearly.
Extending His mercy outward, especially to those in greatest need of experiencing Christ’s love and peace.

When I wholeheartedly offer my “here I am” - my prompt "Yes!" as Mary did - I am pulled into the miracle of that first Christmas. The events of the first Christmas didn’t happen just once, a long time ago. They happen again and again, each time we allow the truth of the incredible Incarnation to change our hearts a little more. That amazing moment when the God of the Universe came to meet me and you right here where we are!