December 12, 2024, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Luke 1:26-38

The archangel Gabriel, ancient and powerful, came unexpectedly to bring a message to Mary, who was sitting quietly in her own house.  The message was that she had found favor with the Lord, and she was being given an assignment – to conceive and bear the Son of God.  Despite not knowing quite how that would happen, she said yes. 

We do not know when God will suddenly appear in our lives through a messenger, or when we will be given a new assignment, not even knowing if we are qualified or able to follow through.  Mary was living an ordinary, simple life – not wealthy, not highly educated.  There is blessedness in simplicity, in simply being on the earth and fulfilling our daily tasks. 

This is a moment of great joy.  The archangel Gabriel came to announce what would happen, and Mary, though young, rose to the occasion without fear.  But this favor bestowed on her by God did not bring wealth, ease, or even happiness.  It brought suspicion that she had been unfaithful before marriage. It brought childbirth in a manger after a long journey.  It brought raising a child who caused heartache and worry by running away to the temple.  It brought the sword piercing her heart when he was detained by the authorities and brutally murdered.  It brought hiding in fear after the crucifixion. Like all parents, she encountered heartache and concern over her child.  From this, we also know that our encounters with God may bring blessings and peace, but they do not correlate to wealth, ease, or earthly happiness.  Those are two different things entirely.  Amen.