Under the Influence

 “…human beings moved by the Holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God.” 2 Peter 1:21

This verse from a recent daily Mass reading jumped out at me. The phrases “moved by the Holy Spirit” and “under the influence of God” spoke to my heart. Shouldn’t we all desire to be moved by the Spirit and to speak to others with words that are influenced by our relationship with God? What a way to live!

Sadly, as hard as I might work at this, I fail frequently to live a life that demonstrates what a tremendous impact God has on my life. Who are the people, then, that I allow to inspire or guide my actions? What are the substances I allow to affect me? What are my influencers? The news I hear? What I read on social media? The opinions of others?

Conversely, how often do I allow faith, hope and love to serve as my influencers? Or prayers? The lives of the Saints? Or meditating on the cross?

We are beyond fortunate to have been given a wonderful example of what it looks like to live under the influence of God. Just think about any aspect of our Blessed Mother’s life. She is a role model of how to accept the influence of all persons of the Trinity. Each Joyful Mystery is a celebration of Mary’s fiat, her resounding yes to God’s will for her. His influence was the focus of her life as a daughter, a wife, a mother, a cousin, a friend, a woman of her time.

Can you even imagine what it must have felt like to be totally under the influence of God as she was assumed, body and soul, into heaven? Talk about a heart-pounding experience - even if Mary had no fear of heights! But that was it. No fear. Mary had perfect trust in God’s influence. I pray for even a portion of that wisdom and trust.

On this Assumption Sunday, may we whole-heartedly invite Mary into our lives as our guide and influencer.