Day 34 · The Nativity Fast
Do Not Be Afraid, Mary
“The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’ He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.””Luke 1:30-33
Reflection
Gabriel's greeting troubled Mary, and the first thing he told her was not to be afraid. Then came the promise: a son named Jesus, the Son of the Most High, heir to David's throne, with a Kingdom that would never end. Everything the prophets had said for centuries was now spoken to one young woman in Nazareth. God's greatest work rarely begins with crowds. It begins with one person who is willing to listen.
A prayer
Lord, as you said to Mary, say to me: do not be afraid. Calm my fears about what you may ask of me. Let your word find a home in me, and let your Kingdom grow in my life. Amen.
Carry this with you
What fear is keeping you from saying yes to God?