THE LORD IS WITH YOU (3-25-10)

Solemnity of the Annunciation

Luke 1:38
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
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THE LORD IS WITH YOU
Many times in the Old Testament the words “the Lord is with you” signaled that someone was being called to a daunting task.

In fact, these words often accompanied an invitation from God to play a crucial role in his plan of salvation. Such a divine calling generally entailed great sacrifices and challenged people to step out of their comfort zones and put their trust in God like never before.

FAVOR WITH GOD
We learn more of Mary’s mission in Luke 1:30, as the angel says, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Like the phrase “The Lord is with you,” the notion of finding “favor with God” also would bring to mind Old Testament covenant mediators in God’s salvation plan.

Noah was the first person in the Bible described as finding favor with God (see Genesis 6:8). God saved him and his family from the flood and gave him a covenant to be the head of a renewed human family.

The next person to find favor with God was Abraham (see Genesis 18:2-3). God made a covenant with him, calling on his family to be the instrument through which he would bring blessing to all the nations of the world.

Like these great covenant mediators of the Old Testament, Mary has found favor with God for God is with her. Walking in the footsteps of Noah, Abraham, Moses and David, Mary now is called to serve as an important cooperator in the divine plan to bring salvation to all the nations.

Almighty Father, You have revealed the beauty of your power by exalting the lowly virgin of Nazareth and making her the mother of our Savior. Her total obedience brought Jesus to the waiting world and filled the void of incompletion with the presence of her child, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen +

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.