God wills only our good; God loves us
more than anybody else can or does love us. His will is that no one should lose
his soul, that everyone should save and sanctify his soul: “Not willing that
any should perish, but that all should return to penance[49].” “This is the
will of God, your sanctification[50].” God has made the attainment of our
happiness, his glory. Even chastisements come to us, not to crush us, but to
make us mend our ways and save our souls. -- St. Alphonsus de Ligouri: (1696 –1787:
was an Italian Catholic bishop, scholastic philosopher, and theologian)
Gospel
Text: (LK 1:26-38)
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.
The Solemnity of the Annunciation of
the Lord is easily captured in one word, "Yes." We are all familiar
with the story of the incarnation of the Son of God through the generous
availability of the maiden Mary. After some questioning and calming of her
fears, Mary readily yields in faith and trust to the invitation through the
angel Gabriel to be the Mother of the Son of God.
To what do we believe God is inviting
us now? What are our fears and reservations in responding to various urgings of
God? Do we worry about fears and raise questions when we perceive God calling
and inviting us to do and offer something? Such would be perfectly normal and
understandable when asked for something we are not familiar with which brings
about apprehensions, reservations and even fears. What we have to watch out for
is that such fears and apprehensions do not paralyze us. For we know that there
is always something beautiful and fulfilling for us if God asks and invites us.
Is Jesus challenging us to a deeper
faith in him? Are we being called to reconcile and make up with those who may
have hurt us? Are we asked to do charity work or to be more involved in the
life of the Church through our parish? Are we able to forgive ourselves for our
shortcomings and weaknesses, realizing the great understanding and mercy of
God? Are we being led to truly unexpected challenges or undertakings?
It is
important to see that such invitations are always in the context of our
participation in the mission of salvation initiated by the Lord Jesus. It is
only in this wider context that we may be able to appreciate that our positive
response, our "Yes," enhances the reign of God and is thus a
fulfillment of Jesus' promise that he will always be with us.
God wants only one answer, our
generous "Yes." Are we willing to take this risk with God as Mary did
with the announcement by the angel Gabriel? It may not be easy (Mary's heart
was pierced by many swords) but we could rest assured God will always be with
us in any undertaking. God was always with Mary in support of her generosity
and fidelity. God will be the same with us.
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