A reflection by a "cloistered brother," on Luke 1: 38.
Latastian[1]
spirituality recognizes the redemptive potential of events that take place
behind closed doors. Just as Gabriel
visited Mary in the intimacy of her chambers to announce the news that Jesus— Immanuel,
God with us—was about to illuminate the world, Father Joseph Lataste, O.P.
sought out imprisoned women behind closed doors, with the redemptive hope
embedded in Jesus’ love for them.
Likewise, behind closed doors, as hope was buried when Jesus was placed
in a sepulcher, the Spirit of Life raised Him from the dead restoring hope to
the world; and, behind closed doors, as the fearful apostles gathered after
Jesus’ ascension, the Holy Spirit came with fire to restore their power and
hope.
Indeed, behind closed doors miracles happen! The Annunciation reminds us that when a door slams
behind, we are granted an opportunity to receive hope, rejoice at Easter, and
welcome the fire of the Holy Spirit.
The Annunciation needs not stay as an event in the distant
past; while the world does not quite know what to do with the news of Jesus, we
may take the initiative and affirm, with Mary, “May your word to me be
fulfilled.” The god who intersected
history to become empirically verifiable hope cannot be deterred by closed
doors to announce His presence unto us.
[1]
Blessed M. Jean-Joseph Lataste, O.P. – Apostle of Prisoners. Lataste’s
spirituality is all about mercy and redemption, especially in prison.
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