Today’s Scripture: Luke 1:26-28
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you are highly favored. The Lord is with you.” (NIV)
Artwork by David Cipolletti
Mary was a young, poor, citizen of Nazareth, a town located a long way from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish life and worship. These characteristics would make her seem to be unusable by God for a major task. Yet she was chosen as the instrument to bring the Messiah into the world. Mary did not ask for or seek this role in God’s plans.
You may feel that your ability, experience, or education make you an unlikely candidate for God’s service. Don’t limit God’s choices—God can use you if you trust the Lord. God shows God’s favor to those who are humble and receptive to God’s word.
If we say “No” to God’s call long enough, we stop hearing it. Episcopal Priest Barbara Brown Taylor explained it this way. “You can say ‘No’ to life, you can say ‘No’ to a miracle, but if you do, rest assured no angels will trouble you ever again.” (p. 29, Herald, Sept./Oct. 2014)
We honor Mary because she said “YES” when God called. May we do likewise when our summons comes.