Daily Meditation for December 14, 2023

The story of how the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her of God’s plan for her to be the mother of the Messiah holds spiritual lessons for us as we imagine this encounter. Upon hearing of God’s favor and plan for her, Mary said, “Tell me, how can this be?” Many thoughts and concerns must have been racing through her mind. How will her fiancé Joseph react? How will her family be affected? How will the physical changes and discomforts of pregnancy feel? There’s the waiting, the labor and birth, the complete care a baby needs… After Gabriel explained about the power and promises of God, Mary said, “Yes.” Yes to the baby, yes to the future whatever it may be. We also are sometimes surprised by God’s plan for us and may find it frightening and unrealistic. But we can learn from Mary’s firm trust in God and ask her to help us say, “Yes.”

By Mary Jackle, OSB