The familiar story of the angel's announcement to Mary ends with
her total acceptance of God's will and plan for her. It's the
point of the story, and also her greatest glory: to become the
Lord's "handmaid", the dedicated servant who works fully with
Him. But before that, the Gospel tells of Mary's being perplexed,
puzzled, disturbed, even frightened (the angel has to tell her
not to be afraid). She just couldn't understand how what she was
told was God's plan could possibly come about: it seemed to be a
nonsense. Not everyone receives such a clear, compelling
invitation, but when God does come into peoples lives, His
presence is often enough disturbing and perplexing, because His
ways and the plans of His heart are not our ways. It can be hard
to understand what God is up to, and to discern His will for us
isn't always easy. But a first step is to listen attentively, and
then not to be afraid of what we hear, or afraid of having to do
something new or different. And that itself is a grace given by
God. To say "yes" to God is a supreme act of faith, our own
choice, but made with His power and grace.
May we learn with Mary to live through the things we don't
understand, and in peace to answer "yes" to the Lord's word.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings.
Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage
discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That, with the committed help of all believers, the
scourge of poverty may come to an end, eliminating the
intolerable social and economic inequality in the world
Elaboration
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