Today’s Theme for Prayer – Jesus Calls Me Beyond Myself
How Generous is My Response to the Lord?
A Heart of Surrender
Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Grace Prayed For
Grace of discernment: Mary pondered the angel’s greeting, seeking to understand its meaning. We can pray for the grace of discernment, to distinguish God’s voice from other voices and to make wise choices that are in accordance with his will.
Reflection
This beautiful passage from Luke’s Gospel invites us to witness an intimate encounter between God and a young woman named Mary. It’s a scene filled with awe, humility, and surrender, revealing the profound love of God and the incredible trust of Mary. Let’s delve into this sacred moment and discover how it can draw us closer to Jesus.
A Divine Encounter
Imagine Mary, a young woman in Nazareth, going about her daily life when suddenly, the angel Gabriel appears. His words, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you,” disrupt her ordinary existence and usher her into the extraordinary.
Mary’s response is one of both confusion and contemplation. She ponders the meaning of this unusual greeting, her heart open to the divine mystery unfolding before her.
An Unexpected Invitation
Gabriel reveals God’s incredible plan: Mary will conceive and bear a son, Jesus, who will be the Son of the Most High. This news, so unexpected and seemingly impossible, could have easily overwhelmed Mary. Yet, she responds with a question, not a refusal: “How can this be?”
Her question reveals her humility and her desire to understand God’s will. It’s not a question of doubt, but of seeking clarification, of wanting to align her heart with God’s purpose.
A Courageous Surrender
Gabriel assures Mary that nothing is impossible for God. The Holy Spirit will empower her to fulfill this divine calling. Mary’s response is a testament to her faith and surrender: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
With these words, Mary embraces God’s plan, even though it will undoubtedly change her life forever. She demonstrates a profound trust in God’s goodness and a willingness to participate in his redemptive work.
Reflecting on the Passage:
- How does Mary’s response to God’s call inspire you?
- In what ways is God inviting you to participate in his plan?
- How can you cultivate a deeper spirit of surrender and trust in your own life?
May this reflection draw you closer to Jesus, born of Mary’s “yes” to God. May it inspire you to embrace God’s invitations, even when they seem impossible, and to trust in his unwavering love and faithfulness.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
Jesus, the Son of God, chose to enter the world through a humble virgin. This act of self-emptying demonstrates his deep love for us and his willingness to identify with our humanity. Reflecting on this can inspire us to cultivate humility in our own lives and draw us closer to the heart of Jesus.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post