Saying Yes to God

Hail Mary! The greatest faith story ever told is unfolding in our hearts this Advent. During this season, we are filled with boundless anticipation as we hold the Blessed Mother Mary in prayer while we wait just a couple of weeks longer for the imminent birth of the Christ Child.

Each year during this sacred time, we hear the story of a Jewish peasant girl named Mary who is called by grace to be the mother of the Messiah. But if we really listen to Mary’s story, we are called into a deeper relationship with Our Blessed Mother and with God.

Think about it. What a faith Mary had to say “yes” to God when it meant risking everything: her marriage to Joseph the carpenter; her reputation; her relationship with friends and family and possibly her life by stoning for perceived adultery. What fortitude and devotion she had to surrender fully and trust in God’s plan.

In the familiar gospel story, Mary visits with her cousin Elizabeth, who is far beyond childbearing years. Yet, Elizabeth is pregnant by miracle and soon to give birth to John the Baptist. Mary has traveled over 100 miles “into the hill country ” of Judah, probably by donkey or on foot, to reach Elizabeth and share her pregnancy news.

Think about that journey. Mary had time to reflect on her encounter with angel Gabriel and the realization she would conceive a Child by the Holy Spirit. She was probably afraid and overwhelmed. Yet she persevered. When she arrived at the house of Zechariah, Mary greets Elizabeth with joy and in that moment Elizabeth realizes Mary is pregnant and will be the mother of Our Lord.

“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

This passage reminds us that God has a plan, and Mary reminds us to trust with a full heart and say “yes” to God. The story also underlines that our faith is guided by personal decisions that are defined by actions with no guarantee for safety or security.

There are many people who have said “yes” to God in uncertain circumstances, and some have made a great impact on our lives and our communities as a result. In the context of our own Boston College community, I can’t help but think of another Mary who gave birth to a son on a December day in 1924, in the small village of Blasdell, New York. Her son would say “yes” to God and join the Society of Jesus as a young man. Her name was Mary Monan and her son would become the 24th president of Boston College, J. Donald Monan, S.J.

Fr. Monan said “yes” to God again when he accepted the presidency of Boston College in 1972. It wasn’t his plan, but it was most certainly God’s will.

Months before Fr. Monan’s presidential appointment at Boston College, he stepped down as dean and academic vice president at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York. He was eagerly awaiting a golf vacation in Canada and taking a research sabbatical before heading back to his other calling, the classroom. Excited with possibility, Fr. Monan was packing up his office when he received a phone call from his brother Jesuit, Fr. Frank Mackin, S.J.

During the phone call, Fr. Mackin mentioned that the Trustees of Boston College wanted him to consider being a candidate for their presidency. Fr. Monan mentioned that he believed his gifts were in teaching and writing rather than managing. “Where are you going on vacation? ” Fr. Mackin asked. When Fr. Monan told him Canada, he said he would meet him in Montreal the next morning.

Fr. Monan understood the gravity and urgency of the invitation and he accepted the presidency of Boston College. It was a time of great turmoil. The University was on the brink of bankruptcy and feeling the effects of social upheavals over war, race, and poverty. There was upheaval as well in the Catholic Church, in the wake of the Second Vatican Council and amid arguments over how Catholic universities should respond to the Council’s teachings.

Fr. Monan said “yes” to the call at great risk because he believed in the “love of a provident God.” He believed in his missionary devotion to the Society of Jesus. He believed the importance of a Jesuit education for others. He believed in Boston College.

Twenty-four years later, Boston College had a $600 million endowment; 24 balanced budgets; 30 refurbished or new buildings on campus; its undergraduate program was among the top 40 in the country; light was shed on injustices like the atrocious murders of six Jesuit priests in El Salvador, along with their housekeeper and her daughter; and enduring partnerships and programs were created by legions of dedicated men and women that continue to bear fruit today.

Boston College was also transformed by Fr. Monan’s quiet grace that lived in his good works. He would lead by example and teach by leading. God always has a plan.

We continue to be blessed at our University, today under the dedicated and inspiring leadership of William P. Leahy, S.J, who has said “yes” in many ways to God’s promptings on what it means to be a Catholic, Jesuit liberal arts university. May we continue to rejoice in the abundant blessings of Boston College.

Advent invites us all to say “yes” to God’s grace. Are you open to the call?

Let’s live Advent. The Christ Child is coming in days.