December 20, 2018 Thursday of the 3rd Week in Advent-C

Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalm 24

Luke 1:26-38

 “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” Lk. 1:34

Lord, your mother Mary asked Gabriel one question.  She didn’t doubt that God could do what the angel proposed.  She just didn’t understand how this impossible thing could be done.  I have to admit, Lord, that I would have a lot more questions than Mary did.  I’d likely have to know many more details about how, why, when and where all what the angel said would come about.  I may even have been so bold and foolish to ask, “what’s in this for me?’  And then I’d maybe tell the angle-“I’ll get back with you after I think about this for a while.”  Mary’s faith allowed her to trust God enough that she didn’t need all the details and all the possible outcomes.  Her “yes” came from deep within her heart.  A heart that was so in love with God she couldn’t ever tell him “no”.  Dear Jesus, unlike Mary, I am a sinful person.  My weaknesses and fears can be obstacles to my faith-filled response to you.   When you ask me to take a leap of faith unveil your plan for me a little at a time.  Then give me the confidence of Mary to say “Yes.”  Amen