“OPENING UP LIKE MARY” (March 25, 2023. Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord)

Gospel

Lk 1:26-38

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:

God’s will happens to the person who has an open heart. Blessed Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Many people from other sects of faith say that Mary is only human and she is only an instrument like other people mentioned in the Scriptures. For them Maria was just a character and when she finished her role she had no value. But, if we continue to look at our life next to Mary’s life, we will see the example that we should follow.

Her response of “Yes” to the Angel sent by the Lord brought her closest to the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. This is also the case in our daily lives. Let’s get to know Mary not just as a character in the story. But a person who responded and experienced the effect of the openness of her will. What are the things in our lives that we need to respond to even if it’s difficult?

QMaybe like praying every day. This is important, because it trains our soul to trust the Lord more. No matter how small things sometimes are, if we do that in the Name of the Lord, we will surely experience the good effects of the unity of our body, soul, mind and spirit with God’s will.

In the Gospel, the story of the Angel’s announcement to Mary about the Holy Spirit overshadowing her to give birth to the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, is revealed again. There is something good to ponder in the Gospel. No obstacle can stand in the way of God’s will. Therefore, if we know that there is peace that comes if we follow the inspiration of the Lord, it is important that we respond even if it is difficult. Because, even if we don’t have the ability, God will make a way. Let’s continue to prepare and come closer to our Lord every day that God has made.

May we see that God does not give punishment but a good opportunity whenever our ability to be faithful to Him is challenged. In the Name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Reflection by:  L. Marian