In our Gospel today at Daily Mass, we hear the Angel Gabriel announce to Mary: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” She was frightened by this proclamation. The Angel told her not to be afraid, explaining about the upcoming birth of Jesus, explaining how Mary was chosen for this special role in the history of salvation.
Think of how when we start something new, it can be a total shock to us. Whether it be a new teacher on the first day of school, a worker at a new job, a priest celebrating his first Mass, a student on the first day at a new school, or a parent with a new born child. All these things pale in comparison to what was told to Mary in the annunciation and the ways her life would completely change. However, when we start something new, we need to take it one day at a time. We need to be patient with ourselves and with others. Like Mary, we need to ponder things in our hearts.
Our world has changed in many ways. Our Church has experienced many changes as well. We may see some of these changes as positive. We may be frightened at some of these changes. I know that the reality of the Church and the reality of the world have changed greatly in the fifteen years since my ordination to the priesthood. I am the first vicar general in our Diocese to also have responsibilities as pastor. But the shortage of priests and the reality of our Diocese dictate certain changes. There will certainly be more changes ahead of us as we adapt to the reality of the world and as that reality changes even more.
Like Mary, we need not be afraid. However, we are called to face this reality that is upon us and to reflect upon it. This reality may be calling us to certain actions as individuals, as a parish, and as a Diocese.
Luke 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.
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