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Gospel Reading for December 24, 2023 – Luke 1: 26-38
PREOCCUPIED
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, favored one! 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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Perhaps, if someone tells us we are highly favored, we would get so excited and look forward to the blessing? The reaction of Mary was so different. She was greatly troubled and pondered on what sort of greeting it would be. This clearly shows how Mary was serious about life. She wasn’t preoccupied with worldly matters, and it must be this that made it easier to say, “Be it done unto me according to your word” even if she knew it was going to be difficult for her.
Most often, the reason why we do not hear or see God in our lives is because we are PREOCCUPIED with worldly things and have become materialistic. It will be difficult to say “yes” to Him when we are always concerned about: becoming or being rich, parties and gigs, being popular in social circles, etc., MORE THAN spending time with our family and community. It will be difficult to hear God in the midst of noise. It will be difficult to see God in the midst of glaring lights. A Christian is not required to shun enjoyment in life as being able to enjoy and be happy is a gift from God. But as is said, everything has to be done in moderation in order to maintain a happy, healthy and balanced life. Hopefully, we will not be like those invited to the wedding feast, who because of their commitments, missed the opportunity to partake of the banquet of the Lord (Matthew 22: 1-14). Life is fleeting. Let us use our time to do the more important things, much more those that Jesus asks of us to merit eternal life!
Lord Jesus, may we be like your mother, Mary, so attuned to God!
