Reflection for December 8
We read in today’s gospel about Mary’s “Yes.” It is a very familiar reading that we maybe take too lightly because we know the story so well. But put yourself in Mary’s shoes and look at this blessed event through Mary’s eyes.
Mary was living a simple life in Nazareth as a young, newly betrothed teenager when suddenly her world was turned upside down by the appearance of an angel. She was frightened by his greeting, bewildered by his message, and unable to fully comprehend what was being asked of her. Yet her faith was so strong that it gave her the courage to say “yes,” “amen,” “thy will be done.”
Imagine if Mary had said “no,” citing all of the reasonable objections — I’m too young, I’m not married, I have my own life to live! There would have been no birth of Jesus Christ, no redemption of our sins, and no promise of eternal life in heaven. But Mary’s unwavering faith and relationship with God empowered her to accept what God was asking of her and submit to His plan for her life.
What would we have said to God if we had been in Mary’s shoes? More importantly, what do we say to what God is asking of us each and every day? Are we even listening? Are we trying to establish and maintain a personal relationship with Him? Do we listen and act only when it’s convenient for us? Do we turn away and block our eyes and ears when the request goes against our worldly ambitions or just seems too difficult? Oh, that we might have just a fragment of Mary’s faith, trust, humility, and obedience to follow God’s plan for each of us.
So today, let us step out in faith and embrace Mary as our role model. Let us thank her for her “Yes” and may we give God our “Yes” to whatever He is asking of us today. And like Mary, may the Holy Spirit enable us to surrender our fear, walk with courage, and live out our faith boldly.
Ellen Dubinsky