Incubation

Mary's dialogue with the angel opens a further layer foreshadowing the entrance of a being taking shape, the emergence of the divine in ordinary human reality.  A feeling grows and turns in our incubating bodies in an incubating world. A bottomless process of aching, longing, hoping for the promises to be fulfilled consumes our days and nights.   

The secret shape of God is unfolding within us, making new potentialities shine.   A wild elusive spirit hovers upon our hearts to make the impossible happen in my flesh.  O holy Spirit help me us safeguard this little piece of God in ourselves. Defend the dwelling place inside our ripening bodies.

Each of us is a doorway to Advent, transfigured and transfiguring humanity.  We sing Mary's Song a paradoxical vision both personal and political, spiritual and social, individual and communal.  Our song is in sync with the voices of a long train of non-compliant, furious, insistent women.   

We sing the song of justice catalyzing a response from God who sees, who responds.  We sing roaring in the rage of the drama of oppressive forces and senseless violence inflicted.  We offer a loving antidote in unison with Mary and all who believe the promise.  The feminine mystique gathers the pain of the world in our arms and transmutes it with mercy.  Until the long night lifts and dawn unfolds in radiance, this Yes to God is also at the same time a No to what is not God.   

Retreat with Ivan Nicoletto, author of Journey of Faith, Journey of the Universe: The Lectionary and the New Cosmology