MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 20, 2021

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to 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.

REFLECTION

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Have we ever done anything or accepted anything in deep faith and trust? St Padre Pio's famous quote, "Pray, hope and don't worry" is repeated many times, but not as frequently is heard the latter half of the quote which is "Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer."

Mary knew God as He lived in her. She knew the messenger. She had a deep prayer life. She said yes in deep faith and trust. Can we say that about ourselves? Do we know God so well that we can rely on His mercy, compassion and love when we pray? Would He ever abandon us? May our yes to God be unconditional. In complete faith, do what God asks of us to do or be. In silence, listen to God and His messengers.

Christmas is almost here!!

God Bless You