Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said. (Matthew 1:22)
Today Christians celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although, we may have heard the story of the greatness of Mary many times, do we pause and reflect on the significance of this devotion. We celebrate Mary as the blessed Mother of Jesus but do we reflect on her courage and great love for the Lord. Mary and Joseph lived in a time when it was a scandalous for a mother to be with child and without a husband. How frightening it must have been for Mary to not have been able, at first, to share this blessing with those she loved. The Archangel came to Mary and she was, “greatly troubled” for this to come upon her. This was a great miracle a situation unlike any other. The annunciation of our Savior Jesus Christ. On this day Mary said, “YES”. She said yes to being chosen to be the mother of the son of God. This was Mary’s great gift to the world. In her fear and possible confusion she trusted God and said, yes. Do we allow God to work through us and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Does fear prevent us from fulfilling God’s will for us?
Ideally, it would be wonderful to be able to say that we always allow God to work his miracles in our lives but sometimes we hesitate. There are many things that prevent us from listening to God’s call in our lives. It may be fear of what other’s think, insecure thoughts we have of ourselves or a host of other reasons. Whatever the reason is that is preventing you, God needs you to be His disciple. This is what we were created for. God gave us free will so that we may come freely with true hearts open to His love. He doesn’t want to force us as the world sometimes does. His love is ultimate purity. There’s no strings attached.
The times in my life I have said, YES, to God’s call, have been utterly incredible. An experience I had, was for many years I had felt compelled to evangelize to congregations of people. I would imagine speaking to large audiences with passionate faith filled thoughts and ideas I had rehearsed in my mind. I thought I’d be among the great, like the ones I would listen to or read about. In those moments I felt like one of God’s chosen. Something within me kept calling me to inspire people, but I convinced myself I didn’t have what it takes to be great. Until, I prayed with fervor and set my eyes to God for ALL things, then everything began to change. My thinking shifted from fear and insecurity to strength in God gives us all we need to accomplish his works. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I didn’t have to be a Theologian, although someday I hope to be, nor a representative to share God’s love. I just needed to follow Him and share His amazing love with others so they may see God’s love. God reminds us He choses the humble to do His amazing works. Happy to say I gave my first Spiritual retreat in celebration of the Annunciation of the Lord. How incredible that day was that God worked through my actions and words and it was perfect in every way. It was a blessing to have my daughters at the retreat along with an amazing group of women. That day I used the gifts God gave me of passion, wisdom, joy, love and sharing of God’s love. That day was a gift from God. Every moment is a gift from God. I want to be a Servant of God and do His will. Will you chose His will and live an incredible life?
Take a few moments to meditate on the time in your life you experienced incredible fulfillment. God has amazing plans for you. Listen to His voice. Pray, Lord, I am weak but with you is my greatest strength. Work through me in my actions and words. Lord transform me. Lord let me do your will. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art though among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God. Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Glory be to the father, Glory be to the son, Glory be to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. World without end. Our Father who art in Heaven… Amen.
Peace,
Claudia
Our Nourished Soul