Friday Gospel Recharge
A Reflection on Luke 1: 26-38
(1st Friday in Advent, Year B of the Liturgical Calander, 2023)
Trusting in God's Plan for Our Lives
As a second-year university student majoring in Environmental Science, I used to contemplate the idea of graduating and what that future might hold: a fulfilling job, a loving and beautiful spouse, all the material luxuries life could offer. However, none of these dreams ever materialized. Even if I had pursued them, I might have only ended up with an ordinary job at best.
During these moments of daydreaming about post-graduate life, I vividly remember feeling a gentle yet persistent call from God, urging me to consider a religious vocation. Whenever I allowed my thoughts to wander toward worldly pleasures, the word "PRIESTHOOD" would suddenly disrupt my fantasies. It was as if God were trying to redirect my path. Instead of embracing this calling, I panicked and concocted a plan to silence it, determined to pursue my own ambitions.
In today's Gospel, we encounter the story of the Virgin Mary and her divine vocation as the Mother of God. What sets her vocation apart from mine is that not only did she have the incredible honour of being Jesus's mother, but she also conceived Him while remaining a virgin, a seemingly impossible feat from a natural perspective. However, as the Gospel emphasizes, nothing is impossible with God, as all creation finds its origin in Him. Mary, with her unwavering devotion to the one true God, willingly surrendered her will to Him, trusting that He could help her achieve the impossible.
As members of the human race, God calls each one of us to respond to His divine plan. In answering this call, He desires that we place our trust in what He has in store for us. Trusting God can be challenging. Some may struggle with the abstract nature of God's presence, doubting His existence or questioning their faith in His inspired Word and the teachings of the Church. Others may find it difficult to believe that what God is calling them to do is not only possible but that He won’t fulfil His part in realising those plans.
One way we can learn to develop a trusting relationship with God is by reflecting on the countless times we have failed ourselves through our own shortcomings or how those we've loved and trusted the most have let us down repeatedly. If we've experienced disappointment from ourselves or others, it begs the question: can we be so sure that God would follow suit if we don't allow some space for God to guide us where He intends us to be? In my own journey, I eventually answered God's call. While I didn’t, at least not yet, achieve ordination, I found God closing certain doors and opening new ones, making the impossible pursuit of a religious vocation possible. All my initial concerns and worries were gradually addressed by God as I progressed in formation and earnestly lived out the evangelical counsels.
If doubt in God's providence remains a stumbling block, this Gospel featuring Mary serves as a reminder that God's assurance is unwavering. Throughout the conception, birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God was steadfastly by her side. Let us turn to her example whenever we feel God calling us to undertake an incredible task. By seeking inspiration from her, we may discover the courage and faith needed to respond with the same resounding YES that she offered. Saying yes to God always opens the door to more possibilities. At Christmas, we are reminded that God's ultimate gift to us is a share in His life—a promise we receive as a precious gift.
During
this Advent season, as we prepare to welcome the Christ child at Christmas, let
us strive for greater faithfulness in living our lives according to God's plan.
Our fidelity to God's ways can only be achieved when we first place our trust
in Him.
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