19/12/2023
The angel's message troubled Mary. It was leading her into uncharted waters, into a life of unimaginable risk. She is willing to take the risk, and to trust God's invitation.
Christmas highlights the belief that God is in all of us. We can ignore that, or we can help God be found in all of us. God is often deeply hidden, and God is active through each of us for each other. In the visit of Mary, God came close to Elizabeth in the ordinary and homely moments of every day. These Advent and Christmas days give us the space to allow the huge eternal mystery become part of the everyday.
When a woman in the crowd cried to Jesus. “Blessed is the womb that bore you, he replied, Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” First of these was his mother, who said, “Let it be with me according to Your word.” We remember her words whenever we pray the Angelus.
"Heavenly Father, You offer us abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness through your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to live a grace-filled life as Mary did by believing in Your promises and by giving You my unqualified 'YES’ to Your will and plan for my life. Amen.”