Handmaid of the Lord

Gospel

Luke 1:26-38

'I am the handmaid of the Lord'

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

Short Reflection

In this profound moment, Mary stands at the threshold of a divine mystery that will change the world. Her initial reaction is not blind acceptance but thoughtful disturbance and a question of "how?" This shows a faith that seeks understanding. When the angel explains God's power will accomplish this, Mary does not ask for more signs or guarantees. Her final, breathtaking response is one of total surrender and active cooperation: "I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me." Her "yes" was not a passive resignation but a courageous act of faith that opened the door for God's salvation to enter the world. It is a model for our own response when God's call disrupts our plans and invites us into a greater story.

Question for Reflection

Where in my life is God inviting me to say, "Let it be done to me," trusting in His power and plan even when I don't fully understand the 'how'?

Short Prayer

Lord God, you looked with favour on your humble servant, Mary. Grant me her courage and her trust. When you call me to participate in your work, give me a heart that seeks to understand, but a will that ultimately surrenders, saying, "I am your servant; let your word be done in me." Amen.

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