Luke 1:26-29 “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.”
 
My eyes crack open and a sigh escapes from my lips at the still-dark room I am encased in. I’m awake now, kept up by a mysterious tugging on my heart, a feeling not unfamiliar to me. What is it that I must be prepared for? Have you something more in store for me, Adonai? This feels like You. 
 
As I lay awake praying to you, my thoughts turn to Joseph’s visit today. He shared some of the progress on our future home and said we will work together to make it a place filled with Your presence. I am blessed that such a good and righteous man would take me to his heart and care for me. You knew I needed a man who would understand that I am Yours completely and would join me in that commitment. 
 
You are such a good God. Praise be ever on my lips! Please come and give me rest so that I can sleep. I roll over to lay on my side, repeating that phrase until sleep sweeps me under once more.
 
“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 
 
The light washes over me like a bucket of warm water, gently inviting me to open my eyes. Instead of a sigh on my lips, a gasp parts them instead. I sit up, puzzling over the words from the blazing messenger before me. My heart is racing and fear starts to creep upon me, but the words flowing towards me bring peace, yet mixed with a touch of confusion. 
 
Adonai, I trust that you are capable of all things, wise in every matter, but what have I done to earn this coveted title? 'Favored One' must be reserved for those holier than I, those in the Temple, the priests. Not a mere peasant girl in the lowly backwater town of Nazareth. 
 
However, in the glow on my face, the gentle caress of your words, spoken through this light-filled being, I feel favored and loved. Adonai, I trust you. What do you have in store for me?
 
Reflection Questions: What must have been going through Mary’s mind when the Angel Gabriel appeared before her? Take a moment and put yourself in her place. Imagine yourself sitting on your couch, laying in your bed, or puttering around in your backyard and suddenly there is a heavenly creature speaking to you. What do you hear? What do you do? What do you say? Spend some time with these thoughts today. 
 
Prayer: Lord, You sent your messenger to speak to our Blessed Mother when she was so young, and You gave her a name that set her apart from all other people. As the favored one, or full of grace, You have shown Your love for her by creating a pure heart and soul that would be open to receiving all that You desired to give her. Make me more like her. Make my heart more open and my desires be only those pleasing to You. Amen.