Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 (WEBBE)
26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
28 Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of greeting this might be.
30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his kingdom.”
34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I don’t know a man?”
35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.
36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37 For everything spoken by God is possible.”
38 Mary said, “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.” The angel departed from her.
Reflection:
This passage from Luke narrates the profound and momentous encounter between Mary and the angel Gabriel. It is a pivotal moment in the story of salvation, filled with divine promise, human response, and the power of God’s word.
1. The Divine Invitation:
The angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary marks the beginning of a new chapter in God’s plan for humanity. Gabriel’s greeting, “Rejoice, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28), highlights Mary’s unique role in God’s redemptive plan. Her initial reaction, being “greatly troubled” (Luke 1:29), shows her humility and the weight of the message she is receiving.
Mary’s response to the divine invitation reminds us that God often calls us in unexpected ways and through extraordinary means. The message of being “highly favored” can be both daunting and awe-inspiring. It is a reminder that God’s plans for us may involve challenges and changes, but they are also filled with purpose and blessing.
2. The Promise of the Messiah:
Gabriel reveals that Mary will conceive and bear a son named Jesus (Luke 1:31). This child will be “great” and “called the Son of the Most High,” and His reign will be eternal (Luke 1:32-33). This announcement fulfills Old Testament prophecies and introduces the promise of a Messiah who will bring salvation and establish God’s kingdom.
The promise of Jesus’ greatness and His eternal reign underscores the significance of this moment. Mary is not only chosen to be the mother of Jesus but is also invited to participate in the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. This divine promise is a testament to God’s faithfulness and His commitment to bring about His plans for humanity.
3. The Question of Faith:
Mary’s question, “How can this be, since I don’t know a man?” (Luke 1:34), reflects her genuine confusion and the impossibility of the situation from a human perspective. Gabriel’s response, explaining that “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35), reassures Mary of the miraculous nature of the event.
This exchange highlights the importance of faith in responding to God’s call. When faced with the impossible or the unknown, Mary’s question and the angel’s response teach us about trusting in God’s power and promises. Faith often requires us to embrace the mystery of God’s workings and to trust that His power can accomplish what seems impossible.
4. The Humble Response:
Mary’s response to the angel, “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), exemplifies humility, obedience, and trust. Despite the uncertainty and potential challenges, Mary accepts her role in God’s plan with grace and willingness.
Her response is a model for us in how we should approach God’s call in our lives. It invites us to respond to God’s invitations with openness and faith, even when the path is unclear or difficult. Mary’s acceptance demonstrates a profound trust in God’s goodness and a willingness to be used for His purposes.
5. The Power of God’s Word:
Gabriel’s final statement, “For everything spoken by God is possible” (Luke 1:37), reinforces the belief that God’s promises are always fulfilled. This assurance of God’s power encourages us to hold fast to His promises and to believe that His word will accomplish what He intends.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus, and for the faithfulness of Mary in accepting Your call. Help us to embrace the divine invitations You extend to us with the same humility and trust that Mary showed. Give us the faith to believe that Your promises are true and that everything You speak is possible. Teach us to respond to Your call with openness and to trust in Your power and goodness. May our lives reflect the willingness and grace of Mary as we seek to follow You and fulfill Your purposes in our own lives. Amen.
Contemplation:
Reflect on the ways God may be inviting you to participate in His plans. Are there areas in your life where you feel called to step out in faith, even if the path is unclear? Consider how you can respond to God’s call with the same humility and trust as Mary. Spend time in prayer, asking God for the courage to accept His invitations and to believe in the power of His promises.