The Annunciation of the Lord, Solemnity - Luke 1:26-38
This passage from Luke is one that is very familiar to
us. It is the story of Mary’s
Annunciation when the angel appeared to her and revealed to her that she would
conceive and bear a Son. How do you
think Mary reacted emotionally to the angel’s appearance and to the angel’s
words that Mary would have a child, even though she had not been with a
man?
Luke says that Mary was extremely troubled at the angel’s
news, but Mary had to have a deeply personal relationship with God. It was this relationship that enabled her to
trust and say yes to what God was asking her to do. From a young age, Mary must have trusted God
in all things. Thus, she would trust God
even in this surreal and frightening situation.
She must have wondered how she was to explain her situation to
Joseph. She had to share this fantastic
experience with him. How would he
react? Would he be angry or humiliated?
Would he spurn her? Or would he draw
his own conclusions and believe that Mary had “been” with another man? Imagine the storm of emotions that this young
Mary must have experienced!
At times, we encounter difficult or painful situations that
may stir up a storm of emotions in us.
How do we respond? Do we feel
angry, fearful or anxious? Do we
distance ourselves from God? Do we
gradually come to believe that God is with us?
Do we trust that God will guide and grace us?
We have a wonderful model in Mary. Like Mary, we need to keep ourselves grounded
in the God we know, trust and love. If
we do this, then we may believe and trust that we will receive the grace and
strength we need. This will bring us
peace. God will bring us peace!
Today may we ask Mary to pray for us. She has walked in these shoes. She will walk with us always!
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