Reflection for Monday, Dec. 20
Today, we celebrate the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel visited Mary and announced the good news – she was to bear a Son, God’s Son.
Mary is described in so many ways in our tradition. What are some words you would use to describe Mary? Many times we think of her as holy, as meek, and as mild. But Mary was also extremely courageous. She found herself in a very difficult situation: she was a very young woman, a teenager, really. She was not yet married. She should not have found herself pregnant. She was engaged to a man, who was not the father of her child. She could have been punished for her situation, and she was almost cast aside by Joseph, her intended husband. Yet, she found the courage within herself to say “yes” to God. She looked deep inside of herself and overcame the fear that was within her. She said “yes” even when she might have been worried about the outcome and about what others might think of her - the scandal of the situation. She followed God’s will and trusted that God would take care of her and the baby.
Mary also had an inner strength that she was able to tap into when she was faced with such an enormous decision. She relied on her courage and strength and on God’s promise, and this reliance is what led her to do great things, as Jesus’ mother. Mary can be described as so many things, but she is the ultimate example of courage and strength.
Liza Peters
Full-Time Retreat Team Member, Dir. of Youth and Young Adult Ministry