For a more enriching experience,
go down on your knees to pray or take it one step further
and prostrate yourself (lay face down) on the floor while praying.
Father, today's reading is an eye-opener as I take in the trust and Faith that Mary had without a hint of skepticism or doubt. Her immediate response to Gabriel upon being told she would conceive a child was, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" I can picture Mary's face smilingly brilliantly saying this with awe and wonderment without a smidgeon of fear or uncertainty. Mary's reflexive response was basically, "Okay, I haven't a clue how this could happen, but okay, let's do this!" This causes me to look at my own response to You when I am fed Your Divine Inspiration. There should never be any doubt in me when I know a Divine Message or Signal when I see it or hear it. My immediate response should be, "Okay, well then, let's do it!" and not giving any concern as to how it may come about. At that first signal I should be excited and ready to receive it or move on it. Mary did! She was a hearer of the Word and knew the Word when she heard it. Mary was open to the Word and that is why she was crystal clear. Even though the message from Gabriel seemed impossible, she stood in wonderment and awe from the get go. When I consider Mary's eagar and willing response, I have to look at my own responses to You and ask myself if I am that eager and willing to Your Word. If someone asked me if I 'heard You speak to me would I immediately respond and obey', my answer would be, "Of course, YES!" But the Truth is, You speak to me all the time but I don't always respond with the trust and excitement that I claim that I would. Father, from this day forward, I will do my very best to respond to You with actions that reveal my trust and Faith in You. I will be bold, courageous and eager at Your Word and Command.
Through Jesus Christ's Precious Blood, Most Sacred Name and Most Holy Face. ~Amen
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.
30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of his father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?"
35 And the angel said to her, "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.
36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ
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