The Holy 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.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection: Today’s Gospel tell us about the Annunciation, is one of the most profound moments in salvation history. The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive and bear the Son of God. Mary’s initial reaction is, “How can this be?”
When we look at our own lives, especially in times of challenges or surprises, is not this our response? Our response may come from our lack of faith. We only need to look at Mary’s response to see how she responded. Mary’s response is filled with faith, courage and trust. Mary says, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
The Annunciation calls us to look at how we respond to God’s call in our own lives. Just like Mary, we often face doubts, uncertainties, anxieties, problems or situations that seem beyond our understanding. It is difficult to trust during these times. We ask ourselves; how will we get through these times?
We just need to look at Mary and her “yes” to God. This reminds us that trusting in God’s plan will help us get through these times. God does not choose us because we are perfect or fully prepared. God chooses us because of His love and grace. God will give us the grace for moment.
Action for the Day: Pray for the grace to have Mary’s faith and courage, especially in challenging times. May we have the faith and courage to trust in God’s promise that “nothing will be impossible with God.”
Audio Reflection:
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