I am the Lord’s servant ...


Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” -Luke 1:29-31,34-35,38


There is a magnificent purity in Mary's response to the angel Gabriel. My heart is moved and my eyes tear up when I hear her say that she is a servant of God and wants God's word to be fulfilled in her. How is it that one so young possesses such a rich faith in God? Consider what her cousin Elizabeth says when Mary visits her:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! ...
 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Mary believed. Mary was blessed. There is a connection between these two words. Even so, blessings often come with a cost. Mary had to deal with the cynics who did not believe what the angel spoke to her. This young teen had to grow up very quickly - her life would not resemble the one that she had dreamed about. And even more, the crown of thorns that her son would one day wear would break her heart.  Yet she will always be remembered as the Lord’s servant.

Teach us to embrace the simplicity of faith Lord. Help us to have Mary's response when you speak to us today.


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