Luke 1:26–38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God
to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name
was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to
her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much
perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The
angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him
Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the
Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over
the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said
to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “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 holy; he will be called Son of God.
And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and
this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be
impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let
it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Reflection
How might I be as perceptive and as
humble as Mary was, ready to notice and respond God’s calling?
Can I recall one of the
biggest moments in my life?