Advent Reflections
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022 Our Lady of Guadalupe
By Jillian Barrett ’24
God’s power is made perfect and visible in what seems impossible. This passage shares how the angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her that she shall be the mother of the son of God. God sent an angel to reveal the powerful calling that was on her life and share that God planned to use her supernaturally. Sometimes God calls us to do things that seem so impossible, but Mary heard from the angel Gabriel and immediately accepted what God had for her. She responded to this call without hesitation; “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word”. A handmaid has a servant heart; someone who lays down their life for the plan and purpose of God. Mary only asks one question—“how can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”. If I were in this situation, I would be flooded with so many questions… Am I good enough to carry the son of God? Why me? Can somebody else do this? My human insecurity and doubt would overtake the gracious and powerful plan God has for my life, as it often does. I sometimes question why I have been chosen to minister in certain spaces, and how our perfect God sees me as good enough in my brokenness. That is when I rest on the living word of God. Mary exemplifies a life that fully trusts in His faithfulness. She must have understood God has the power to do impossible things. God reminds us in Ephesians 3:20-21 that:
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen”.
God brings power through us in all our humanness. His power is good enough to move mountains if we say “yes”. Because Mary said “yes” to the call of God on her life, we have the unending grace of Jesus Christ, and for that I am truly thankful.