Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory. — Psalm 24:(see 7 and 10)

Mass Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14 / Luke 1:26-38 

The Lord’s Handmaid 

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). We’ve heard that so many times it’s easy to forget that this wasn’t said after months of practice for a Christmas play. Mary said it “cold” when an angel — an angel, mind you — appeared out of nowhere and dropped the bomb of the Annunciation on her. 

How would you respond to that? Me, I’d melt into a puddle of terror at the mere appearance of the angel, let alone the terrifying message of responsibility he brings. Yet Mary takes it in stride without requiring the three years of preparation the 12 apostles required — and without their spectacular initial failure despite it. She simply offers herself to God fully and without reserve, this beautiful holy girl. 

Prayer: Father, grant that we can say “Yes” to You with the simple purity of Mary.