2 Samuel 7.1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16Very few of us would be able to imagine fully the impact of Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, a devout young maiden, betrothed to Joseph of the royal house of David, and living in a culture that severely shamed and punished an unmarried pregnant woman.
Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
Romans 16.25-27
Luke 1.26-38
We might picture Mary’s shock at the angel’s appearance, bewilderment at his overwhelming message, and humble and complete submission to his word.
God’s messenger did not offer a specific solution to Mary’s concern or fear, but rather a mindset. “Do not be afraid,” the angel said; and she gave her fiat.
We could have already experienced devastation or grave problems: natural disaster, violence, serious illness, or loss of means to support the family. How did we deal with those? At times through life we might face dire situations. How prepared are we? A common response to the resultant anxiety and fear is to pray to be spared or to find a resolution as soon as possible.
Would we hear God’s answer if it were “Do not be afraid”? How would we take it? Perhaps in the intense discomfort and distress we would feel God’s answer too abstract, not specific enough to be practical, and would not immediately alleviate the situation.
However, “Do not be afraid” means to trust and hope in God who loves and cares for us, God who is with us.
Mary models for us a certain willingness to trust completely in God, a profound faith that would enable us to declare confidently: I am the servant of the Lord. Let all be done to me according to his will. -30-
