Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10
Psalm 39(40):7-11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38
See Lord, I have come to do your will. Let it be done to me according your will.
The gospel reading for today presents three important messages:
First, according to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus occurred through the Holy Spirit, representing the power of God.
Second, Mary is honored among women because she willingly accepted God’s plan, exemplified by her response, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” God chose her for a special role in the salvation history, as emphasized in today’s first reading from Isaiah 7.
Third, Mary’s spiritual motherhood extends to all who respond to God’s call with similar faithfulness.
Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth differs significantly from that of Matthew. In Luke, the story omits the Magi, instead highlighting the shepherds from nearby fields, consistent with Luke’s focus on the poor and marginalized. The emphasis in the announcement to Mary is on Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. When Mary responds that she has had no prior relations with a man, the sign confirming the angel’s message is the pregnancy of her elderly relative Elizabeth.
If a woman beyond childbearing age can conceive, the angel suggests that doubt regarding Mary’s pregnancy should be unfounded, for “nothing is impossible for God.” The announcement to Mary mirrors that made to Zechariah regarding the birth of John. In both instances, the angel Gabriel appears to the troubled parent and commands them not to fear. The core focus of these announcements is on the divine identity of their children—as the Son of David and the Son of God.
The lesson for us is to consider how receptive we are to God’s presence within us, even when divine plans seem impossible. Do we believe that God can make us remarkable? Do we trust in the Holy Spirit’s work within us?
Wishing you a blessed Solemnity.
Fr Joseph Osho
