[Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom] Day 20 – The "Unspoken Connection" between God and Human During this retreat, we have repeatedly mentioned the state of “communion between God and human.” What exactly does this state entail? What are the signs that indicate that we have entered this state? Let us continue to explore and learn through the Blessed Virgin Mary! Why do we use the Blessed Virgin Mary as an example? Besides what we previously mentioned, that Mary was united with the Word, the Eucharist, and the Holy Spirit in body, mind, and spirit, more importantly, this was an active invitation from God! Among all humanity, past, present, and future, God chose only the Virgin Mary to be the spouse of the Holy Spirit and the mother of His Son, Jesus Christ. Surely, no one would deny that among all human relationships, the bond between a mother and her child is unparalleled. There is no relationship more intimate than that of a child growing in the mother’s womb. This is precisely the relationship between Jesus Christ, who is God, and Mary. If we say that throughout human history, no one knows God better or has a more intimate relationship with God than the Virgin Mary, no one would dispute it. Through continuous intimate dialogue with God and complete obedience to and cooperation with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Our Lady has become one with the Holy Spirit. She is wholly attuned to God’s will and has developed a profound spiritual connection with Him, with an unspoken connection. This connection stems from a deep communion and alignment with the Father’s heart. Mary trusts God, and God also trusts Mary. This intimate relationship with God explains the intriguing conversation between Jesus and Mother Mary at the wedding feast in Cana. When the wine ran out during the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus replied, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” But His mother told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” (cf. John 2:1-5) Undoubtedly, Mother Mary put some pressure on her son Jesus, using this unique approach to invite Him to help the newlyweds. Here, we will not discuss Jesus' feelings or state of mind at that moment. However, one thing we can be sure of is that if it was not the will of the Father for Jesus to perform a miracle and help the newlyweds, Jesus would not go against the will of God the Father because of Mother Mary! From this small incident, we can observe the subtle yet intimate relationship between Mother Mary, Jesus, and God the Father. This relationship allowed Mary to have such a candid dialogue with Jesus with confidence and boldness, as they both deeply understood each other’s hearts and intentions, everything was communicated without words. As for what happened afterwards, you should have read it in the Bible, so we do not need to recount it here. (cf. John 2:1-12) Here, we witness that Mary not only understood her Son’s state of mind but also grasped the will of the Father! The profound relationship between parents and son is vividly portrayed in their brief dialogue. This is the “tacit understanding” that exists within a family! It also reveals the communion between God and humanity in the Blessed Virgin Mary! Reflection Do you long to enter into a state of communion with God? Or do you have reservations about this deep relationship? Take some time to reflect on the reasons behind your feelings. As you reflect, can you sense the intimate mother-son bond between Mother Mary and Jesus? Take a moment to savour it. Have you ever experienced a deep, unspoken connection with someone? How has this mutual understanding helped you communicate and collaborate with that person? Does this help you appreciate the profound relationship between the Blessed Virgin Mary and God? Today’s Prayer My dear Abba Father, I am filled with joy today as I reflect on the deep and intimate relationship between You, Mother Mary, and Your Son, Jesus! It fills me with longing! I truly desire to have this deep and inseparable relationship with You! I firmly believe that this intimate relationship with You will help me understand Your will and make sense of everything that happens in my life, whether it brings me joy or sorrow. I also trust that this relationship will allow me to fully enjoy this pilgrimage on earth! Abba Father, I know You will certainly grant my heart’s desire. Please do not let me be disappointed! During this journey, please help me imitate Mother Mary’s unwavering trust in You, never giving up in the face of difficulties! Abba Father, please hold my hand and guide me to form this unspoken connection with You.