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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
The Power of “Yes”: Perhaps you feel a calling but are hesitant to take the first step. You could pray for the grace to have openness and willingness to say “yes” to God’s will, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone.
Faith and the Power of “Yes”
This passage from the Gospel of Luke recounts the transformative moment when Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel. Here, we find inspiration in several key themes:
- Faith in the Face of Fear: Mary’s initial reaction is one of fear and trepidation. The unknown is unsettling, and the prospect of such a momentous task could be overwhelming. However, the angel’s reassurance, “Do not be afraid, Mary,” is a powerful reminder that God’s presence brings comfort and courage. We too can find strength in faith, trusting that even when faced with challenges, God is with us.
- The Power of “Yes”: Despite her initial confusion, Mary’s response is one of complete surrender. Her simple “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” echoes throughout time. It is a testament to the power of faith and obedience. Just as Mary’s “yes” changed the course of history, our own willingness to accept God’s will, even when it seems difficult, can lead to extraordinary blessings.
- Nothing is Impossible with God: The angel’s proclamation, “for nothing will be impossible for God,” is a cornerstone of faith. When faced with seemingly insurmountable situations, we can draw strength from this truth. God’s power is limitless, and He can work miracles in our lives if we have faith.
Mary’s story is an inspiration to all who seek to deepen their faith. It reminds us that God works in mysterious ways, and even the most ordinary among us can be chosen for extraordinary purposes. We are called to embrace challenges with courage, trust in God’s plan, and just like Mary, be willing to say “yes” to His will.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Seeing Jesus Through Mary’s Eyes: Mary’s encounter with the angel is the beginning of Jesus’ earthly journey. By reflecting on her faith, courage, and humility, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of the Incarnation – Jesus becoming human. Imagine the emotions Mary might have felt, the wonder and trepidation. This personalizes the story and allows you to connect with Jesus on a more intimate level.
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