Thursday, December 12, 2024

Handmaid of the Lord

  


Mary said,
“Behold, I am the 
handmaid of the Lord. 
May it be done to me 
according to your word.” 
(Luke 1:38)







It is always important to be open and obedient to God's plans for our lives. As God’s servant, we should demonstrate humility and recognize our role in God's greater plan. It is not just about us. We are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Like Mary, we should show our willingness to obey God's will, even when it was unexpected and challenging. Her acceptance of the angel's message reflects her deep faith and trust in God. She believed that God's word would be fulfilled, even though she did not fully understand how. This encourages us to have faith and trust in God's promises, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Accepting God's will require courage, as it meant facing potential social stigma and personal challenges. This teaches us to be courageous in following God's call, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones.

Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to be obedient, humble, faithful, and courageous in our walk with God. 


Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, 
With humble heart, I heed His word. 
May it be done as He has said, 
In faith and trust, my path is led.

With courage strong and spirit meek, 
His will I follow, His grace I seek. 
In every step, His light I find, 
A guiding star, a love divine.

Through trials faced and joys embraced, 
In His promise, my soul is placed. 
For in His word, my hope is found, 
A steadfast rock, on holy ground.

Behold, I am the handmaid true, 
In all I am, His will I do. 
May it be done, His plan unfold, 
In faith and love, my heart behold.


Lord Jesus, 

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, with a heart full of humility and grace. May it be done to me according to Your word, as I seek to follow Your divine will.

Grant me the strength to embrace Your plans, even when they are beyond my understanding. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and love, and to walk in faith, guided by Your light.

May my life be a testament to Your glory, As I serve You with a willing heart. Let Your word be fulfilled in me, and may Your presence be my constant guide.

Amen.



Pericope:
II: The Infancy Narrative
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Luke 1:26-38

Gospel Acclamation
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.

Gospel | Luke 1:26-38

26 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.


Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot


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