Mother Teresa has been noted for her amazing work for the poor.  In her humility she would often state that she was nothing but God’s pencil.  She said, “No great works came from me, but only from God through me.  I deserve no praise, but all the credit goes to God.” 

We have many accounts of saints who would consider themselves as nothing but instruments being guided by God.  These faithful men and women have written a story of love, of compassion and of seeking the Kingdom of God.  The prophets became God’s messengers. The apostles proclaimed the good news, and the martyrs, saints and all the faithful believers have helped write the story of God’s love in this world saying “yes” to God’s call.

God calls each of us to become a pencil that rests softly in His hands. He encourages us to be co-authors with Him as we consciously and prayerfully write in the book of life.  He invites each of us to become willing partners in His ministry and to allow Him to use whatever talent He has given us, whatever gift, and whatever resource for the glory of His Kingdom.

During the month of August, our Holy Orthodox Church encourages us to reflect on the Theotokos.  We honor the Mother of God as we remember her Dormition.   We fast throughout the first two weeks of the month.  We sing the glorious healing services of the Paraklesis to the Theotokos.  We are reminded that not only does Elizabeth calls Mary blessed, but that she herself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, predicts that all generations will call her blessed (Luke 1:48). This biblical prophecy echoes in the Orthodox hymn, "It is truly right to bless you, O Theotokos, the Mother of our God."

Sadly, many Christians have forgotten to call her blessed.  Orthodox Christians bless her obedience to God.  We are the Christian family that is connected throughout time and honors the Panayia who accepted to become the scroll that holds the Word.  She is an instrument who faithfully accepted God’s invitation to become the vessel for Christ Jesus, the author of life, and help Him begin His work of salvation.

Throughout centuries, the saints remind us about the Mother of God.  Ponder these thoughts: 

“Eve is called Mother of the human race, but Mary, Mother of Salvation. “  St. Ambrose

“O Lord, no one knows how to address Your mother. If one calls her "virgin," her child stands up. If one calls her "married," no one knew her. But if Your mother is incomprehensible, who is capable of comprehending You?  Praise to you for Whom, as Lord of all, everything is possible.”   St. Ephraim the Syria

“From Apostolic times and to our days all who truly love Christ give veneration to her who gave birth to Him, raised Him and protected Him in the days of His youth.  If God the Father chose her, God the Holy Spirit descended upon her, and God the Son dwelt in her, submitted to her in the days of His youth, was concerned for her when hanging on the Cross- then should not everyone who confesses the Holy Trinity venerate her?”  St. John Maximovich

“We do honor the All-holy Virgin Mary and Birth-giver of God  (Theotokos) more than the other holy saints and angels, yet, nevertheless, we do not ascribe to her the same veneration as we do to God.   The veneration that we render to her is called honorific and reverential, as she is the Mother of the Lord, having not only a spiritual relationship with Him, as happens with other saints, but also a physical union with Him.”  Elder Cleopa of Romania

 I hope we are inspired by the love and example of the Panayia.  She has become a pencil who was willing to co-author a divine story, a story that invites you and me to imitate her decision to accept Christ. 

+  Fr. Tom