Friday December 20, 2024

Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured!

We finally meet Mary! It is interesting and a topic for another discussion how late in the liturgical calendar we meet Mary. Given her very important role in the story of salvation she actually likes to be in the background. But isn’t this typical of mothers though. They often choose not to be the story, it’s all about their children.

Here is a little detail I have missed over the years. Gabriel went in and said to her… I thought Gabriel just appeared to her. But he actually knocked like a normal ‘human being’ and went in. I imagine him like a Zambian standing outside the hut and saying “odi” the usual Zambian knock or as an American appearing in the ring camera “hello, may I come in please?” He knocked on the door. He did not just appear.

How many people in your life have told you that you are so blessed? How many have said you are lucky? What have you heard from God’s angels that have walked in your life? Mary did not brush it off, she believed that she was highly favored. I am going to believe today that I am blessed maybe that will change everything. See Mary had 99 problems and 1 blessing. Hint hint!!