Announcement of the birth of Jesus

Gospel Reading: 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.

DO NOT BE AFRAID

The angel Gabriel gives this assurance to Mary. Angel literally means “messenger,” one who delivers a message from God. His greeting, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you,” troubles Mary and makes her ponder what sort of greeting it is.

Hearing an extraordinary message, Mary reflects on what could be its meaning. Thus, Gabriel explains God’s invitation and her forthcoming mission to be the mother of the “Son of the Most High.” Mary’s response to the call is unconditional, “May it be done to me according to your word.”

We can relate with Mary’s response to an extraordinary message – to be greatly troubled. But the angel’s assurance, “Do not be afraid,” gives us hope that in the midst of uncertainties God has a plan for our salvation. What we need is a strong faith that even in difficult situations, we share in God’s mission. In this way, we can also give, like Mary, our unconditional “Yes” to God.

Teach them “to observe all that I have commanded you.

And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).