Trust and Peace

Gospel Reflection for December 9, 2024

“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ But Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?’ And the angel said to her in reply, ‘The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.’ Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.” (Lk. 1:26-38 NABRE)

Mary gracefully and whole heartedly embraced God’s will for her life without hesitation. All in a single moment, the course of her life, and perhaps what she pictured her life would look like, was completely altered. Mary was told that she would be the Mother of the Son of God, and when told that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, she did not doubt the Lord or hesitate to accept His will.

Mary did not question the angel by asking, “Why me?” “What do I tell others?” “How do I raise the Son of God?” Or, “surely someone else could fulfill this role?”

Our Mother’s life was completely altered by this beautiful and important call, and yet, she didn’t question God! She trusted Him whole heartedly. She submitted to His will. She embraced His call, knowing and trusting that He would lead and guide her in fulfilling her call to be Jesus’ mother.

Whenever we question where God is leading us, whenever we feel confused or lost, or whenever we feel like we can’t handle the situations going on in our lives, may we look to Mary and follow her example. May we turn to God, trust Him completely, and submit to His will. Like our Mother Mary, may we find peace in knowing that our Lord is in control and He will lead us always.