By Anthony Bayeh. He is a young Maronite discerning his vocation to the priesthood.
This Sunday, the Maronite Church reflects on the Annunciation to Mary, when the Archangel Gabriel delivered the divine message to Mary. Her humble response: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38) marks the beginning of God’s plan for salvation. It invites each of us to reflect on how we too, receive God’s message and live out his will in our lives.
Life is filled with encounters, some fleeting, like a passing breeze, and others that leave lasting impressions on our hearts. These interactions shape who we are and influence us in ways we may not always recognise. It is worth reflecting not only on the impact others have on us, but also on the influence we have on those around us.
There is a saying that rings true: “Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are.” This insight goes beyond simply choosing friends; it compels us to consider how we impact the lives of those we meet.
Mary’s response to God’s call is a profound example of embracing divine purpose. When Mary consented to bear Jesus, she became the sacred dwelling place of God and the vessel through which He entered the world. Her “yes” meant nurturing and raising the One who would transform humanity. From her humble home, Jesus went forth to change the world.
This leads to an essential question: How is God calling us, and how are we responding?
Like Mary, we are invited to receive Christ into our lives. When we approach the Eucharist, we become living temples, entrusted with carrying his presence into the world. But do we fully understand this responsibility, or do we sometimes take it for granted? How often do we let it slip from our minds as we become consumed by the busyness of daily life?
Mary’s example challenges us to reflect on how we interact with others. Do they encounter Christ in us? Whether we face anger, disrespect, or indifference, our responses reveal our commitment to Christ’s teachings. Too often, we are tempted to mirror negativity rather than respond with grace. The phrase “If someone is good to me, I’ll be good to them. If they’re bad to me, I’ll be bad to them” contradicts the very essence of our calling. We are called to love our neighbours as ourselves, even when it is difficult.
Think about our everyday lives. In the workplace, when a colleague is having a difficult day, do they feel Christ’s love and understanding through us, or do they feel overlooked? At home, when family members seek attention, do we respond with patience and love, or do we turn away, preoccupied with our own concerns? Every interaction is an opportunity for others to see Jesus reflected in us.
Receiving Christ in the Eucharist goes beyond attending Sunday Mass; it is an ongoing commitment to embody his presence in our everyday lives. Our faith cannot be something we shelve until it is convenient. We are not called to do the bare minimum; instead, we are called to live our faith deeply and share it generously. Our lives here, rich with purpose and meaning, are the path to heaven.
So, we ask ourselves again: What influence are others having on us, and what influence are we having on them?
A study from Harvard University found that a single act of kindness can create a ripple effect, impacting up to 100 people. When we show kindness to one person, they are inspired to pass that kindness on, creating a chain reaction. This is how the Good News spreads.
Encountering God in the Mass, receiving him in the Eucharist, and spending time with him in Scripture each day equips us to share Christ in all our interactions. This does not mean we need to shout our faith from the rooftops, but rather demonstrate it through our words and actions. We should ask ourselves, “Do others experience Christ through us?”
Returning to the earlier saying, consider this adaptation: “Show me how we influence our friends, and I’ll tell you the potential they now have.” What kind of example are we setting, especially for those who may not practice their faith? Receiving Jesus is not meant to be a private act; it is a mission. We are called to be vessels of hope, helping those who may feel far from faith to open their hearts.
In every encounter, let us not forget Jesus, for he never forgets us. This is our mission: to be bearers of Christ like Mary, carrying him wherever we go and helping others encounter him through us. This is how we can show God that we, too, have accepted his call and cherish it in our hearts, just as Mary did.