Just Say 'Yes'

Readings for Monday December 20, 2010

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

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, full of grace! 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)

Has God ever asked anything that seemed impossible of you? Have you ever been afraid of something that God has put on your heart? I think that it is only natural to feel this way when we are called, but let us always remember to imitate our Blessed Mother in these situations, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Mary trusted in what God was calling her to, and she knew that by following Him, she would not be abandoned. We are also never abandoned by God, for He is always here to help and love us no matter what.

Don't be afraid of saying yes to God, rather be afraid of not fully experiencing the peace and joy that come from knowing, loving, and serving the Lord.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are so good and merciful to us, so much more than we deserve. Lord, we praise you and thank you for the gift of our lives, help us always to be good stewards of this great gift. Lord, we pray that we can make room for you in our hearts this advent season, help us to cling to you ever more and to never veer from your path. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.