Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God, to a town of Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent to a virgin, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you!”
Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.
But the angel said, “Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you.
You shall conceive and bear a son; and you shall call him Jesus.
He will be great, and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever; and his reign shall have no end.”
Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born of you shall be called Son of God.
Even your relative, Elizabeth, is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child; and she is now in her sixth month.
With God nothing is impossible.” Then Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said.” And the angel left her.
Reflection:
Mary has no idea what life has store for her: an unexpected pregnancy, a rough journey to Bethlehem, the inconvenience of giving birth in a stable, the flight to Egypt, the return to Nazareth, bring-up baby Jesus, all the challenges and sufferings of being the mother of Christ and lastly the death of her son.
Her faith was exceptional. She got her strength from God which gave her the assurance not to be afraid for the Lord is with her. Her “Yes” only signifies her complete trust in God and her faith that is ready to obey God without any hesitations.
Lord, help us to be a person of great faith. May we imitate Mary especially her openness in following your call and your will.
