Reflection for December 9
Mary Billingsley, The Child Mary Shrine
In today’s gospel, we hear, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you!” A total stranger appearing to a supposedly 14- or 15-year-old child with a greeting like that. Can you imagine the question, being puzzled, and the fear this message brought to that young woman? The stranger goes on to tell her that she will bear a child and will name him Jesus. Have there been times in your life when someone might have surprised you with a prediction of some sort, nothing like bearing a child of God, but nonetheless made you feel a little fearful or at least uneasy? The second part of that greeting is one that we should always keep in mind: “The Lord is with you.” That is true of us, as well, since the Lord is with each one of us beginning with our baptism. And then the reading continues: “Do not be afraid.” That is true for us, as well. No matter what challenges we find in life, no matter what hardships we face, no matter what is asked of us, remember these words: “The Lord is with you, do not be afraid.” Go forth and proclaim God’s Word in word and action, for God is with you.
Bev Brazauskas