Luke 1:26-38

Try to imagine Mary’s surprise encounter with the angel Gabriel, who announced startling news for her future. He said God had chosen her to conceive and bear a son, who would be called holy, the Son of God. Mary was young, a virgin, betrothed but not married, and totally unprepared to bear a child. She was troubled and frightened by Gabriel’s message, and she doubted how this could possibly be happening to her. The angel sensed her fear, and he assured her that God had purposely chosen her. He also offered Mary comfort and support, by sharing the news that her elderly kinswoman Elizabeth was also unexpectedly pregnant with a son. Mary gradually accepted that with God nothing would be impossible. With her faith in God, the joy of mutual support with Elizabeth, and her increasing self-confidence, Mary came to see herself as an instrument of God’s plan.

Now Imagine a time when you were selected for an important but difficult task, one where you feared you were not worthy of the trust placed in you. How did you handle the challenge? Did you sense that perhaps you were in the right place at the right time, and maybe you had been chosen as part of God’s plan? Did you find encouragement from mentors or trusted friends? Next time you face a difficult challenge, think of Mary’s courage, faith, and trust. You may encounter your own angel, who offers you an opportunity to be a handmaiden of God. Take a deep breath, say a prayer, find your mentors, and remember, “with God nothing will be impossible.”

Susie Donovan