20 Dec, 2023 | Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Gospel Lk 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.

Reflections: 

Although the people of Israel had been waiting for the coming of a saviour, the gospel scene today is totally unexpected. The angel’s sudden appearance and his greeting was mystifying to Mary, but even more mystifying was the message, “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus . . .,” prompting Mary to seek clarification. And when the angel clarified, she consented, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Is it because she understood the message that she consented? No. It is because the angel also said while informing her about barren cousin, Elizabeth’s pregnancy, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Often in our life, with its many twists and turns, we find ourselves in complex situations that trigger doubts, misgivings and fears, questioning God’s will for us. The season of Advent and the word of God today teach us what and how to do when we are in such situations—to be disposed to God’s will and plans, and with Mary, say, “Let it be with me according to your word.”

Activity: 

We spend some time during the day and ask ourselves, ‘what is God’s will for me today?’ And let us pray to our Blessed Mother to help us follow her example in doing God’s will, moment by moment, day by day.