Luke 1:30-33 “The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Adonai, my entire being is trembling. I can hear my heartbeat pounding in my ears and I fear I am not brave enough to listen to this angel’s message. I can barely look upon the light radiating in front of me. But as he tells me not to be afraid, it feels as if a beam cuts through the darkness of this room and a shower of grace fills my soul radiating out into my body and calming the frenzy that was threatening me.
I am in awe that you find favor with me. Since I was a small child, I have felt You drawing me to Yourself. It has made me feel different. The looks from others. The voices whispering how my head is in the clouds. Even my poor parents often had to call me to stop praying and listen to them, because I would get so caught up in wanting to be close to You. Even now, I desire nothing more than to ponder Your greatness in the gift of this visit, as my people await your promises to be fulfilled.
A promise that King David’s throne would be filled by a true descendant. Promises that Your people will find peace living as You have called us, as a light on the hill for others to see. I’ve heard from our rabbis and from the writings of our fathers, all the prophecies of the Messiah. My heart mirrors the deep longing of my people, that You will come and save us.
And here, in the midst of my humble home, stands this messenger, speaking words too wonderful to comprehend. A messiah. A king. A savior. Praise You, Adonai! Praise and Glory, above all forever! The promises are being brought to life at last.
Wait a moment. Conceive in my womb and bear a son? Jesus? How did I miss that? What does this mean that You have chosen me? Adonai, speak into my heart and help me understand. I am but a creature, not the Creator. I am not worthy of this honor, but You believe I am. The pounding in my heart begins again.
Reflection Questions: Again, we sit with our Blessed Mother, as she ponders the words of the angel and recalls the prophecies, she has heard all of her life. She sees the world around her that is lost and longing for more. Don't we see that same thing today? How can we be more like Mary, letting our hearts hurt for our world, but not in hopelessness, but with assurance that God has a plan, and His timing is perfect? How can God's promises be fulfilled in us today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, make me more like my Blessed Mother. Make me someone who longs to be with You always, in the daily moments of my life. Help me to desire a deep relationship with You above all else, especially when the world wants to pull me away. Give me strength to be faithful to You. Amen.