Mary, Full of Grace

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

~~~ Is. 7: 10-14, 8:10 ~~~ Psalm 40 ~~~ Hebrews 10: 4-10 ~~~ Luke 1: 26-38 ~~~

Mary, as young as she was, said 'yes, Lord' and never looked back. She never had another thought after her visit from the angel Gabriel. She trusted that God did indeed had found favor with her. With the grace of God she was able to lay aside her fears quiet her mind. She fully embraced this revelation with her heart and soul. She eagerly goes to share her exciting news with Elizabeth, from whom she will also receive confirmation and comfort.

God had become weary from numerous requests to show his signs, but now there would be an incontrovertible sign...two unique remarkable pregnancies. The prophet Isaiah foretells of this great sign: "the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us!'"

The psalmist sings out "Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will."

Mary was given 'ears open to obedience'...doing the will of God was already
written upon her heart...her God truly was her delight.

Her magnificat was her belief in the kindness and truth of God's promises.

Mary prayed fervently and surrendered totally to the will of God.

In her humility, Mary, was shocked by the angel Gabriel's greeting to her...
"Hail full of grace! The Lord is with you."

The days of Mary's life leading up to this profound announcement must have been filled with loving God. Her soul was being made ready to accept each day as she learned and listened from the words of the prophets. She had probably already committed herself to being a handmaid of her God she heard the voice of the angel.

If today YOU hear his voice harden not your hearts.
Be ready to say, 'Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.'