Living in the presence of the Lord and following Jesus are not a bed of roses. In fact, His path is the way of the cross, of suffering, of self-surrender. And like Mary, we wonder aloud: “How will this be?” Often, we would wonder whether this is in fact the right path for us. Even saints had their moments of doubts. St. Teresa of Avila is often quoted to have said: “God, if this is the way you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few of them!” But if I just believe, He will work wonders in my life. Most of my life has been a proof of that.
And the Lord, as the angel did to Mary, reassures us with these consoling words: “Do not be afraid.” He came and the Word was made flesh. He came and He lived among us. He came but He did not take away diseases and illness; but to those who believed in Him, He made them whole again. He came but He did not take away hunger or thirst; but when people were hungry and had nowhere to go, He multiplied the loaves so everyone could eat. He came but He did not do away with storms, the typhoons and the tempests in our iives; but when tempests came and the apostles were afraid, He calmed the seas and tamed the winds. He came but He did not take away death; but when death came He conquered it and came back to life, promising the same eternal life to those who believed.
As Jesus went on his way, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” And their eyes were opened.