Luke 1:30

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

At this point, Mary has no idea why the angel has appeared and how her life will take a dramatic turn. This angel begins with the reassurance that God is pleased with her so whatever may come, He will be by her side. Mary, a young unwed mother to be; has such a strong faith that she tells Elizabeth,16 verses later, what great things God has done for her.


Those simple words “do not be afraid” were powerful enough to give Mary the courage required to be the mother of God’s son. I think about my role as a mother of three boys. I was naive enough to think that as babies, they caused the most worry and fear. They couldn’t use words to communicate, that the every two hour feedings, explosive diaper changes, inexplicable fevers and fits of endless crying were the greatest challenges of parenthood.


My two living sons are adults with growing families and with the death of their brother, I experience worry and fear on a whole new level. How incredible was Mary’s faith in the face of raising God’s son, running from Herod, loosing him for three days when he was twelve, recognizing the animosity of the Pharisees and finally the cruelty of his death. Her faith, buoyed up by that angel so many years earlier brought her through to Jesus’ resurrection. May we find a faith as strong.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
sometimes I feel afraid,
darkness overwhelms me,
and I am discouraged
by the uncertainty of life.

I struggle with temptation,
worn down by the world
and fearful of its trajectory.

I know when I put my trust in you,
I will not live in fear and dread.
You go before me to cast down the giants
that cause my distress.

Lord help me to be like Mary
in my faith,
make me courageous,
cause me to know
what great things you have done
and will continue to do for me
every day.

Amen.