Mary was a young woman, her life mostly ahead of her when she had an unexpected visitor, the angel Gabriel. The story in the gospel of Luke is kind of a highlight reel. It tells us the main points of the story, but leaves out many of the things I often wonder about - like how did she know her visitor was an angel, did he really have wings like we see in traditional artwork?

Anyway, as the story continues the angel tells her she is greatly favored and will give birth to Jesus. The piece I often miss in the story is Mary’s question, “How will this be since I am a virgin?” The angel assures her that all will come to pass as he has explained and tells her about Elizabeth. Mary’s answer is “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

I wonder what is really going on for Mary at this moment that isn’t retold in the gospel story. I wonder what the message is for me, for my life today. I imagine Mary getting this news as she is betrothed to Joseph. I think about all the issues and problems Mary was going to face – was she also thinking about that? Was she worried about how people would react when it became obvious that she was pregnant? I imagine that she thought about all of that.

And yet, Mary steps into the role that God has invited her to take. It may have seemed a small role that day, she may not have known the full scope of her role as we know it today. She may have just taken the next step each day. At first carrying Jesus in her body, then on her hip as a toddler, teaching him to be a man of faith in their tradition, watching as his ministry grows, and being by his side as everything crumbles.

In this first story, when the angel visits her, it’s very different and yet perhaps not so different from what God is asking of me. First, notice where God is inviting me to join in (it probably won’t be as obvious as a visit from an angel), then follow the example of Mary and take that first step, and then the next, and then the next. Step in with, maybe in spite of, all of my reasons for why I might not be the best or right person. Trust and cooperate with God’s plan and see where that might lead.

PRAYER: Creator God, Come to me again, each day. Remind me that you are always with me. Help me to see the places you are calling me, with all my doubts and imperfections, to be part of your healing presence in the world around me.

PROMPT: Where am I too caught up in why I’m not the best person for something? What step is God inviting me to take that I’ve been resisting?

Luke 1:26-38