Today’s first reading is exactly the same as yesterday’s first reading. So, if you went to Mass (you did go to Mass, didn’t you?), then you heard the prophesy from Isaiah 7: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”
Today’s Gospel reading is the same one we saw just a few weeks ago on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. As the Christmas story continues to unfold this week in the Liturgy, we concentrate today on Mary. The angel Gabriel comes to her and tells her that she will conceive and bear a son…the Son of God. Imagine how Mary must have felt at that moment. Imagine being told by God’s messenger that you are going to have a child and that that child would be the Son of God!
Now, Mary could have said, “Uhh…let me think on this one for a while. I’m not sure I’m ready for this. Let me get back to you.” But she didn’t. Her consent was immediate and complete. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Her “yes” was full and unconditional. How are we about allowing God’s will to be done in our lives? Do we hesitate? Do we put conditions on God? Or is our “yes,” like Mary’s, full and unconditional?
Father, may we imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary in our lives. May we give our full and unconditional assent to your will every moment of every day. Amen.
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