Tuesday - Second week of Advent

Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” —Luke 1:38
Sometimes it is hard for us to respond to difficult situations with acceptance. But Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel shows us it is not impossible. To obtain that attitude we have to believe that Gods will for us is good and acceptable. We need to lay down our will and submit to Him every day again. If we want to have a grace-filled life we need to do like Mary? The angel Gabriel salutes Mary as “full of grace”. To become the mother of the Savior, Mary was enriched by God to fulfill that calling. Faith and obedience is the key to unlock the grace of God’s kingdom in our lives. It will not always be easy to fulfill the purpose he has for our lives. But God’s Spirit will be always with us to strengthen us.

In the Book of Genesis we see the consequences of the disobedience from the first human beings. They felt the consequences immediately in the separation from the God who loved them. But God didn’t stop loving them and promised a Redeemer that would save the world. Gods thoughts are always higher than our thoughts. We should not put limitations on God. If we look at scripture than we can see Gods plan unfolding in the events that leading up to the Incarnation of his Messiah. Mary’s  positive response to the divine message is an example set for us to follow. Mary believed God’s promises even when they seemed impossible. Because she trusted in God she was full of grace. She was willing to do God’s will, even if it would lead to difficult and complicated circumstances.
 
God gives us also his grace to say “yes” to his will. We only have to trust in him and let him lead us. He wants us to to respond with the  willingness and obedience from Mary. When God asks something he also gives the grace and strength. We can say yes or resist and go our own way but that will not bring true joy. Only Gods ways bring true joy. Today we ask God to help us to live a grace-filled life and be obedient and trust him as Mary did. We ask for the grace and strength to always say yes to his Divine will. Amen.