The Annunciation of the Lord
Readings:
Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38
Reflection:
Can you imagine, as many women have had to do, saying to their boyfriend or partner, I’m pregnant! One that wasn’t planned.
Now, add into the mix trying to convey the experience and/or story/or dream that an angel appeared and said, “You will bear a son without sexual relations.” Whatttt!!!!!!
Exactly, and then Elizabeth, your cousin, is with child, and she was barren…good grief!! What’s going on? What is Mary to tell Joseph, to whom she is betrothed? She cannot say, as in Laurel and Hardy would, “this is another fine mess you have got me into”. Who said, there wasn’t humour in the gospels?
Seriously, this is a story of faith and trust; it is a calling from the spirit. This is like Moses on holy ground; we are taken on a journey that is God centred and all things work for good. Joseph is amazing and his attitude reflects God’s attitude, of just being there; he listens, he believes, he loves and in these actions, it is enough! He displays, tolerance, gentleness and a love that wants to ensure Mary is safe and protected through his gentle strength.
Significantly, for people like me who love a chat, it is Joseph who reminds us of the value of silence. He utters not one work through the gospels. This reinforces a quality that is shared with and in Jesus – an ability to wait and this quality is demonstrated in and through Mary as well.
Their qualities are a reminder that we are all gifted in different ways with an ability to bring God to others, through our care, our compassion, our silence, our chatter, our mercy, our justice, our trust, our hope. Yes, in all these things we see the hope that the resurrection brings. We carry within all that allows God to move through our life and the lives of others. It is truly, the endorsement of the Annunciation that we see the Emmanuel experience. Yes, ‘God is with us’. So, go and live and tell others what you have and how you are living as Easter people. Imitating and endeavouring to follow Jesus in word and in deed through love. Alleluia!!
Paul Traynor is married to Clare and has two children Sam and Lucy. He lives in Greytown which is in the Wairarapa Region on the North Island of New Zealand. Paul is currently working as the National Passionist Family Groups Coordinator for Aotearoa, New Zealand.