RBWords

     Although Christian tradition has seen in the prophecy of Isaiah (first scripture for today) a foretelling of Mary's destiny, the scene in today's gospel as portrayed by the evangelist Luke, does not seem to be a foregone conclusion.  Whatever plan God had beforehand, Mary was still surprised and wondered about the angel's title for her and the destiny that would come with it.  Her cooperation was necessary and she made a leap of faith.  Considering all that would follow as a consequence, that was some leap of faith!

     Mary did not try to run away like Jonah. She became, in her cousin Elizabeth's words, the one who "believed that the Lord's word spoken to her would be fulfilled." The results are all around us right now and in the gospels and history!

     Most of us are not called on to make such consequential decisions for the world, but we do make them for ourselves and our loved ones, praying that we are making the "right" decision.  This can be from the choice to marry or enter religious life or to discontinue life support for a terminally ill loved one.  When we look at that nativity scene, we will see someone who took a leap of faith and realize that we are celebrating because she said, "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word."  AMEN