Friday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Luke 1:26-38

God’s will in the things that happen to us is not always smooth. It is usually rough and difficult to understand, but I, for one, know that all things are possible: that is faith. In a difficult time, we must remember that God is fully in charge of our world; he is the definition of a planner. Everything happens according to his plan - whether perceived bad or good - and we can always have hope that things will work out in the end. I hope that everything we plan for our lives will work out in the end. In our lives, like Mary’s life, where we may experience an invitation to embrace the challenges of our lives rather than discard them, I pray for the strength to embrace them - especially the challenges that question our sanity and motives. The challenges that tell you that this can’t be his perfect will, the challenges that make you question whether or not this will satisfy your heart. The end goal is to recognize his goodness and his will for our lives. What we know is that a distinguished presence stood before Mary: the angel Gabriel. His presence alone communicated faithfulness, holiness, and responsibility. And Mary’s response was yes, yes to God’s will for her, for the world. Her worries surfaced briefly, accompanied by doubts and insecurity. She flinched for a moment, questioning how this would happen. She pondered, "Does he know what he’s asking of me?" She was a young, simple, engaged girl, about to take one of the most important steps of her life.

Nevertheless, she said yes. Yes to disruptions, yes to the burden, yes to the confusion that will come and yes to the thoughts she will ponder with no invitation. Her worries are legitimate and noted. Still, Mary’s answer ends with submission, submission to the end goal, the birth of God’s son. She obliges because she was chosen. Let it also be unto us according to His Word.

Sagine Relyea
Assistant Director of Online & Post-Traditional Programs