At times, Jesus (and life) presents us with difficult or painful situations that stir up a storm of emotion in us.

At times, Jesus (and life) presents us with difficult or painful situations that stir up a storm of emotion in us.
 
Reading:  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Luke 1: 30-31.
 
Good morning, happy Monday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
Today’s Gospel (Luke 1:26-38) is one that is a very familiar to us. It is the story of the angel’s appearance to Mary and revelation to her that she would conceive and bear a Son.
 
Every time I hear or read this Gospel, I wonder how Mary reacted to the angel’s appearance and even more so, how she reacted to the angel’s announcement that Mary would have a child? Luke says that Mary was extremely troubled at the angel’s news. What did all this mean? How was it to come about? What would she tell Joseph? This was too fantastic for him to believe! Would he believe her or reject her? Put yourself in Mary’s place: how would you react?
 
Yet somehow Mary was able to trust God and she consented. I believe that it was Mary’s personal relationship with God that enabled her to trust and say yes to what God was calling her to. Mary must have trusted God in all things, even this surreal and frightening situation.
 
And how was she to explain her situation to Joseph? Would he be angry and humiliated? Would he spurn her? Yet, she had to tell him this fantastic tale. Otherwise, he would draw his own conclusions and naturally believe that she had been with another man. Imagine the storm of emotions that this young Mary must have experienced! Mary was listening. She heard the message of the angel and responded with an unconditional ‘yes’. We also can become filled with grace if, like her, we listen and respond with a resounding and unconditional ‘yes’ to all that God wants from us.
 
At times, Jesus (and life) presents us with difficult or painful situations that stir up a storm of emotion in us. How do we respond? Do we get angry, fearful, or anxious? Or do we simply distance ourselves from God? If so, do we work and pray to trust God and also to move through our fear and anger? Eventually do we come to believe and trust that God is with us and that God will guide and grace us?
 
Surprising calls can evoke fears and questioning, leading to a desire for a sign before saying yes. Have I been through that experience? In my prayer I ask for Mary’s freedom and openness to God’s surprising ways? Could my fears get in the way of a generous response to God? We need to keep ourselves grounded in the God we know and trust. If we do this, then we truly may be able to believe that we have the grace, strength, and trust that we need. This will bring us peace; God will bring us peace.
 
Blessings,
 
Luis+