Image: Mary mother of Jesus, Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato
The story continues...
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. (Luke 1:26,27)
Reflection
In God’s specific timing an angel is sent to a young virgin from Nazareth. God had confidence in her, that there would be a ‘holding place’ in her faith, to receive this angelic visitation and trusted she would respond in obedience. We get a glimpse into the landscape of her life and surrounding circumstances. And the final statement 'the virgin's name was Mary' somehow heralds an assurance that at some deeper level, she would be a receptacle for a ‘bigger story'. Mary in the shifting landscape of her life was able to be still in the presence of God trusting that all would be well.
Exercise
When you read today’s scripture what stands out for you? At this busy time of the year, are we able to be in a still place to notice God coming? If not what would help us find that still place? Who is the God that we hold onto in a time of changing landscape?
Closing blessing
May we know a tangible stillness beyond any words in our deepest being. May we, like Mary, find the grace to notice and receive God’s coming this day. And may we have the generosity of heart, to follow God’s leading into a new and self giving landscape.
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