Mary: a young woman formed by contemplative pondering and deep reflection. When the angel Gabriel offered her good news from God, Mary “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Mary was one who beheld the Lord in stillness and solitude. She listened to the Word of God carefully and intently, allowing herself to be formed by it. She entered into meditation, pondering the sheer absurdity of the angel’s message and marveling at the astonishing invitation therein. She was one given to depth of thought, opening her entire being—physically and spiritually—to the God
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