Reflection for December 20
Mary Billinglsey, The Annunciation Shrine
The message in Luke 1:26-38 is such an important one, and one of my personal favorites. I think we can all relate to Mary’s uncertainty when the angel first comes to her.
“She was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered at what sort of greeting this might be.”
We live in an uncertain world, and it can be hard to hear what God is trying to tell us over the noise of our society. We try and figure things out ourselves, question the things that happen, like Mary does at first, asking, “How can this be, since I have had no relations with a man?”
But the angel tells her not to be afraid, and that “Nothing will be impossible for God.”
And I think that is so prevalent today. It is a message to let go of the everyday stressors that seem so large to us, and instead, listen to, and to trust what God is telling us. When Mary does, she seems to find peace, as she tells the angel,"May it be done to me according to your word.”
I think we could all use a little bit of the peace we can find in that trust.
Marissa Fagan