Why Christians need to be receptive

 What is Receptivity? 

Receptivity is the way Our Blessed Mother received the word from Archangel Gabriel announcing the Lord’s birth, Her acceptance with her simple yes, and Her model of obedience to God’s will so that others may be able to receive the fruits of the Holy Spirit that overshadowed Her. 

We need to accept the Lord's invitation to know Him on a deeper level.

Simply put, receptivity is the ability to receive and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us so the love of God may be shared with others. This giving and receiving of the Holy Spirit is the sustenance of the Church, the lifeblood stemming from charity. Mama Mary’s simple yes changed the world!

How do we become more receptive? How do we receive God so that we may share God with the rest of the world? We need to accept the Lord’s invitation to know Him on a deeper level. The temptation exists to just put God aside for an hour on Sundays but to truly know what God is saying to us, we need to dedicate time every day for prayer and study. 

Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mama Mary with the Word of God in the night's silence, so we will be able to hear God’s annunciation to us in the silence of our hearts.

Think of others more than ourselves.

How about humility? Humility is the ability to think of others more than we think of ourselves. Our Blessed Mother, upon accepting to bear Jesus Christ referred to Herself as the “handmaid of the Lord.” She was ready and obedient to serve God over Herself. 

Let’s put things into perspective. Bible historians say that Mama Mary was around 14-15 when She accepted to bear the Son of God. In this timeframe, she was betrothed to St. Joseph, and in ancient Jewish tradition, the betrothal process required at least a year of separation from each other. We know that Mama Mary did not have any relations with a man, being a virgin. 

Wouldn’t this have caused scandal? Surely. St. Joseph even thought so then and wanted to divorce Her quietly! But Mama Mary trusted in God’s will and put His will over Her own. God always provides.

Charity - the bond of perfectness

Receptivity and Humility meet together at charity. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your hearts. Take time to discern what the Lord is telling you to do with the help of a Spiritual Director if necessary, and spring forth into charitable action.

“Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”  

Colossians 3:14.

When we are both charitable in thought, word, and action, we allow Christ to work in our hearts to bring heaven down to Earth. Protestants claim that faith alone is needed for salvation, and to an extent, that’s true, but true faith is one that is lit with the flames of charity. Our good works back up our faith in Jesus Christ. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, the more our hearts become dwelling places for the Lord.

Strive to become good examples for your children. Follow our Blessed Mother’s example of receptivity and humility as you spend time in prayer and study with the Lord. Listen to what He is telling you, and let the flames of the Holy Spirit take over your heart so you can bring Christ to your family and those around you!