“‘For nothing will be impossible with God.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:37-38)
The angel of the Lord who appeared to Mary to tell her that she was to give birth was the same one who had appeared to her kinsman, Zachariah the priest. But Mary was a simple, unschooled, humble country girl who had a rudimentary yet sufficient understanding of the scriptures. She knew the Lord and had faith in Him. She knew He was capable of miracles and mighty deeds. Yet the message the angel Gabriel gave her made no sense since the supernatural conception of a child by the Holy Spirit was something never heard of before. Mary understood that the Lord was finally fulfilling His age-old promise of Messiah and rejoiced. She was willing to do what the Lord commanded even if she did not fully comprehend how it was to happen. In addition, she did think about the effect this would have on her life or the consequences to her reputation and social status. All she thought was the Lord commanded so she desired to obey without hesitation.
Mary is a good example for us all to emulate. She had faith in the Lord. She knew that God always fulfills His promises. She obeyed immediately which is something few would do today. Most of us would raise questions as did Zachariah. Most today will not even follow the clear dictates of God’s Wors.
Mary also knew something we too can relate to and rejoice in: the Lord exalts the lowly. He calls the least likely people to accomplish His work, not the rich, famous, and mighty. The Lord God delights to extend wisdom, mercy, and grace. His ways and His will confound humans because He does things contrary to what the world thinks best. He favors and blesses the lowly, the humble, the insignificant, and uses them to accomplish His greatest works. He still does this through us His Church.
Merry Christmas to all!