Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 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.
Blessed are you, Mary
1. An Angel. The angel serves as God’s messenger, revealing to Mary the greatness that God has placed within her. In your own life, recognize the “angels”, the people who have appeared and left a mark on your journey, your family, and your community. Take time to perceive those who have crossed your path this year and continue to do so, reminding you of God’s plans for you and confirming what God wants from you. They help you realize that you are not here just to be around, but to fulfil a meaningful mission. Pay attention to the people in your life who, through their actions and words, guide you and make you aware of God’s presence and closeness.
2. His shadow. This image represents God’s continual protection over you. God cares for you deeply and will never abandon you. While it may be difficult to understand why certain things happen, over time, clarity comes and they begin to make sense and you see how those events were shaped by God’s hand. Time often reveals the purpose behind God’s actions in your life.
3. May it be done. These words imply surrendering yourself to God, just as Mary did, showing her obedience and docility. Mary demonstrates that God’s plans for us far surpass our own expectations. Trust that God’s generosity knows no bounds. Today, let Mary be your model of generosity and openness to God’s will. Continue to ask for her intercession and let her be your guiding star—a light shining from heaven to lead you forward.
Always remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
