” If there is a disposition capable of attracting the benevolent gaze of the Lord and moving us forward in the way of perfection, it is certainly the one expressed by the Virgin of Nazareth , “Behold the handmaid of the Lord.”
Whereas by an act of His will, God brought us out of nothing, and we come from his paternal love , no one can contradict us if we say that we belong to Him and He is in us . We are his children in his royal service , so we are his servants. Perhaps is it good for us honor guards to be reminded of this in these first months of the year.
Like the Virgin Mary , the call of the Angel is at the service of God, we too can decide to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, to be dependent on Him and to be at his disposal : “Behold, O my God, your servant is ready to do your will, all your wishes this year and always , speak only , Lord, my heart is ready! ” This act of submission will certainly touch the Heart of our good Master , and we attract great graces .
Being in his service is to abdicate our own willingness to substitute that of God and in each event saying, ” Not my will , Lord, but yours. ” This results in flexibility in order to respond, with , the readiness to run , and fidelity to do it well. If this is compounded by respect and love, then we will be good and faithful servants .
To move from submission of mind to concrete actions in our daily lives , let us recognize our duty to God , our neighbor and ourselves according to our age, our abilities , our social position and relationships. In all things, in any life we can offer total dedication to the Lord because everything is drawn by Providence. To achieve this, we must shake off our weakness , our apathy , our selfishness and especially we must love ! For love is the engine which drives our actions, which all the saints have experienced . Love as Double Strength gives wings .
Jesus himself, did he not show us an example? “I came not to be served but to serve. ” Who among us falls as low as him , putting himself at the feet not only of his brothers but also of his enemy for him wash and kiss?
“My Father here I am just to do your will ! “And although these adorable words are repeated by all true honor guards let us be those servants whom He will say:” Good and faithful servant , enter into the joy of your Lord . ”
Sr Mary of the Sacred Heart Bernaud, Foundress of the Guard of Honor