# The mystery of rejection
*2018-03-08*

> Bill Young reflects on the “mystery of rejection” from the Monday Lenten readings, shares a meditation for busy people, and explores Mary as our mother in faith.

## Opening thoughts

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today we’re returning to Monday’s readings and the theme “The Mystery of Rejection.” At first I thought rejection was simply a painful experience, but the reading reveals deeper spiritual insights. I’ll also tie this into our Lenten meditation for busy people and our ongoing 33‑Day Merciful Love retreat.

## The mystery of rejection

The readings for Monday were from 1 Kings 5:15b and Luke 4:24‑30. Catherine Dory writes that rejection is one of the great mysteries God places before us. Like any mystery, there is a door and a handle; we are invited to open the door and enter the mystery. Whether it comes in childhood, adolescence, middle age, or old age, we must cross the threshold with Christ’s grace. I used to think I had to face rejection alone, but I now know Christ walks with us through every hurt.

## Meditation for busy people

Today's meditation reads:

“I am not afraid of my littleness or my falls. Each time I fall, I will turn to you, not discouraged but with a contrite heart. I offer you everything, seeking conversion, looking forward to you, loving you with all my mind, soul, and heart. Grant me the grace to keep returning to you, Jesus, trusting in you.”

These words remind us that even when we feel small, God’s mercy invites us to keep coming back.

## Our mother in faith: Mary

In our 33‑Day Merciful Love retreat, day three focuses on Mary, our mother in faith. Abraham is called our father in faith, but Mary surpasses him as the supreme model of belief. St. John Paul II says the key to understanding Mary’s faith is her response to the Angel’s greeting at the Annunciation (Luke 1:26‑38). She says, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Elizabeth’s proclamation, “Blessed is she who believed that the Lord’s word would be fulfilled” (Luke 1:45), reveals the secret of Mary’s faith: she believes God’s promises even when they seem impossible. This same “hope against hope” is what we are called to imitate.

## Putting it into practice

When we encounter rejection, we need not tough it out alone. Christ, the saints, and the angels accompany us. Let us pray, “Come, O Holy Spirit, fire of mercy, help me to believe that with God nothing is impossible.” May this belief sustain us through every hurt and guide us to respond with love rather than bitterness.

*Rejection is not a defeat but a mystery that invites us to open the door of faith, trusting that Christ walks with us.*