The Gospel, according to 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, full of grace! 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.
Reflection: “Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word…” Luke 1:29. This is one of those great passages that should always fill our hearts with wonder, love, and praise. The most difficult lesson for most people to realize is that God values our heart, not what we possess. Everything we have is on loan to us. We are only stewards of His possessions. He is not interested in appearance, performance, or status.
In today’s Gospel we hear how God, through the angel Gabriel, used Mary to bear a child without being married. It was no thoughtless decision when she said, “may it be done according to your word.” How do we respond when He comes to us and invites us to join Him on a mission, we may feel to be impossible? Ever wonder if He passes us by, because we do not want to do it His way?
Throughout the course of my life, since I stopped living life my way, and allowing God to lead me, I have felt numerous times when God has led me to opportunities to serve Him in ways that I did not see myself capable to do or worthy of. It all started with that one time, about 19 years ago, when I finally surrendered to His invitation to a 3-day life changing experience that turned my life around. And His calling me, to do more, continues every day.
Mary had a submissive heart. She was obedient to God’s will. She left the timing and details up to God. Her attitude was one of humble obedience as His servant. She made herself available to Him and that is exactly what He wants of us.
Mary saw things from God’s perspective. We need to ask God to help us see things from His point of view. Our problem, our situation, or circumstances, may be a gift from God. He is intimately involved with the details in our life. God always keeps His promises. He makes Himself available to us and He will provide all our needs as we serve His eternal purposes. “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37.
Action For The Day: Today, God wants us to know, as He did with the birth of Jesus through Mary, that nothing is impossible with God. We must believe that God has the power to do all things, through us, otherwise we do not serve God, but an idol. Where is God at work in your life today?Pray for God to help you grow great in faith as Mary, who believed God’s word and desired to be God’s servant in the working of God’s magnificent plan.
Audio Reflection:
Great reflection, thank you and may we continue to serve the 3 day retreat so that we can bring more good man and women to God.