“Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’” (Lk 1:38

“Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’” (Lk 1:38)

Today’s Passage: Lk 1:26-38

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse manifests the greatest good news before Christmas. God received a long awaited “amen/let it be” from the humankind in and through Mary in this verse. God’s centuries’ long preparation and waiting was just for this single “amen.” As we prepare ourselves for Christmas, remember how God patiently prepared his people all through these centuries and how happy he was on hearing this amen! God together with all the angels might have sung joyfully the beautiful “happy amen” hymn.

I do believe that the first creation of man by God was rather easy for he was easily made out of earth/mud. However, the second creation of man, new Adam, will not be so easy, for it needs his cooperation. St. Augustine expresses it well when he says, “God you created man without his consent and cooperation, but he cannot be saved without his consent and cooperation.” God wanted to save man from his sinfulness and punishment, but he needed also his collaboration.

Throughout the salvation history we find a God who is after his people in view of preparing them for this ‘amen.’ He protected, fed, and guided them throughout their forty years of sojourn in the wilderness. He also pitched his tent among them so that they may feel secure and cared. Later, he gave them judges, kings, priests and prophets to rule and guide them. Even when in different exiles, they were not left alone; he cared and protected them. At last, they were in great need of a Savior.

Now, the whole humankind prepares themselves to join happily in this great “amen” of Mary during this Christmas. She also acknowledges this long preparation of God in her “magnificat,” saying, “He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors, and has come to the help of his servant Israel. He has remembered to show mercy to Abraham and to all his descendants forever.” (Lk 1:54, 55) Am I really prepared or got ready to join this blessed “amen?” Amen is the most shortest meaningful christian prayer.

      

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord we thank you and praise for the real heavenly gift of our mamma Mary. We do believe that Mary’s “amen” was a real sacrifice in view of your unique, eternal, and salvific sacrifice on the cross. Even now somebody whispers in our ears that song, “Mary did you know that baby boy one day would walk on water….” Mary mother of God pray for us that we may also learn to respond “amen” to God’s will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Saturday…