A Message for Mary
Carrying a heavy basin
of water from the well
Mary sees an angel
his message to tell.
Mary has been chosen
a mother to become
baby Jesus she’ll deliver
God’s precious son.
Courageous is her response
never doubting in her faith
this young virgin only asks
the process it will take.
Engaged to her fiancé,
Joseph must understand
these heavenly matters
are unknown to man.
Mary sings a song of praise
her humble spirit soars
God Almighty truly loves her
who could ask for more?
Reflection:
Place yourself in the position of Mary during this exchange with the angel Gabriel.
Can you imagine what it would be like to be in the presence of an angel? How do you picture him? How do you imagine your response to this apparition? Would you be fearful, in awe, humbled?
Mary is an ordinary girl living an ordinary life with nothing special that sets her apart except the potential God sees in her. Throughout the Bible God uses people who are flawed to complete his work. In each case, the individual rises above his circumstance to accomplish great feats. That gives you and me hope as he uses us to complete incredible tasks for the growth of His kingdom. In this case Mary is the chosen one who will bear God’s son.
That in itself is extraordinary but then how does this occur as she is an unmarried virgin? Questions arise, a mystery ensues, and Mary is asked to trust God’s process and protection in conceiving the Holy child. How easy is it for us to trust the Lord with requests that fall outside of our comfort zone? When we let go of our own fears watch what He can do with the little we have to offer. Mary had no wealth, higher education or standing in the community but she was willing to offer herself completely no matter the consequences for this request.
After receiving the one two punch of confronting an angel and being selected to conceive God’s son how does Mary respond? Does she demonstrate anxiety, fear, sadness, worry? Just the opposite for her response is one of praise and adoration for the privilege of her participation in the birth of our Savior. She humbly adores Him with songs of thanksgiving.
How do we react when we are asked to step out on faith where consequences are surely possible? Do we pass on the opportunity or do we embrace it? Mary’s example of faith is layered in obedience, trust, love, humbleness and faithfulness. We may not encounter an angel, but we are likely to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit nudging us toward God’s will. “God Almighty truly loves you, who could ask for more?”
Luke 1:26-38
26 During Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin. She was engaged to marry a man named Joseph from the family of David. Her name was Mary. 28 The angel came to her and said, “Greetings! The Lord has blessed you and is with you.”29 But Mary was very startled by what the angel said and wondered what this greeting might mean.
30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary; God has shown you his grace. 31 Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him 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 King David, his ancestor.
33 He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.”
34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I am a virgin?”35 The angel said to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you. For this reason the baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God. 36 Now Elizabeth, your relative, is also pregnant with a son though she is very old. Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant for six months. 37 God can do anything!” 38 Mary said, “I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say!” Then the angel went away.
Mary quietly and solemnly ponders her encounter with the angel Gabriel.