(ANS - Rome) – Today’s Solemnity of the Annunciation took on a special significance for the Chapter members.  Fr Pascual Chávez presided at the Eucharist for his last time as Rector Major. His words helped us to realize that the choice of a new Rector Major on this day is not a mere coincidence but an act of divine providence.

The celebration of the Annunciation of Mary sheds light on this delicate moment of the election of the new Rector Major. God called Mary and gave her a mission. He does the same for every Christian and every Salesian.

The Annunciation is an example of what can happen in all our lives when we meet God, and this meeting turns into an "annunciation of something totally new to which we are invited."

"When God intervenes in our lives we are afraid that he is going to change our personal plans and, in a sense, to complicate our lives a bit. The plan of God never answers our desires completely, nor our deepest needs. It is then that we  must have the courage and the humility to change our own plans, to educate our hearts and learn to allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit."

As believers we are all called to cultivate certain attitudes such as searching for God's plan in our lives, acceptance of God's will as a life project  and docility to the Spirit of God.

Fr Chávez went on to highlight "the way God comes forward to propose a plan and to ask the person if he or she is willing - in other words, God enters into dialogue with the person.  This gospel dialogue develops in the form of a gift."

This gift is first and foremost one of joy (Rejoice, Mary), the gift of grace (full of grace … you have found favour), and then the gift of encouragement (do not be afraid).  The gift is also one of life and fruitfulness (you will conceive and bear a son).  Then there is the gift of the Spirit (the Holy Spirit will come upon you).  This is Mary’s first Pentecost. The Spirit indicates God’s intention to take possession and custody of the person, and God’s request for cooperation. Finally comes the gift of faith (with God nothing will be is impossible). This is the angel’s last word, and the key that opens the way to total availability and awareness.

It is in this context of prayer and faith that the assembly celebrated the Eucharist. Now they were ready to proceed to the elections.

Published 25/03/2014