Reflection for December 8
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Three sentences in today’s gospel strike me as strong messages for each of us. First, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” Second, “But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” And finally, “May it be done to me according to your word.”
Who among us has not received a message, or messages, in our lives that we did not know exactly what was being asked of us? Mary was greatly troubled. Keep in mind, Mary knew she risked the possibility of being stoned for what was about to happen to her - becoming pregnant outside of marriage. Did we ponder the meaning of the challenge we received, or did we ignore it and move on? Or were we thrown into a life of turmoil not knowing what to do?
What we don’t realize is that part of the first sentence could be said to each one of us, as it was to her - “The Lord is with you!” Do we really believe that, or do we feel like we are living our life alone, making all our own decisions, assuming that is our responsibility? We are not alone; the Lord is with us no matter what the challenge is. Can we, in the midst of addressing the challenge, or challenges, respond “May it be done to me according to your word.”?
Mary was, and still is, a model of courage and strength which are basic components of being a disciple, doing what God asks, and trusting it is according to God’s will. Remember, “The Lord is with you!”
Bev Brazauskas