December 21, 2008

“Be kind to all.”

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, the angel said, “Hail, O favored one, the Most High God is with you! … You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, you shall call his name Jesus.”… Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Most High; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:26-28, 31, 38)

Soon we will celebrate the Feast of Christmas. Today’s Gospel tells again the story of Jesus’ conception. It was through the power of God that Mary became the mother of Jesus. But that would never have happened if she had not been willing to do what God asked of her through the angel Gabriel. She had no idea what saying “yes” would mean in her life. She simply trusted that God who loved her very much would help her do what God wanted her to do. Mary is the one to whom we should look when it comes to trusting and believing. Think of how her faith and trust changed our world forever! Imagine what your faith and your trust in God can mean and how you can be a Christ-bearer in our world.

Action:

With very few days left before Christmas, do what you can to bring Jesus to those around you. Since you won’t be in school, focus on making your home a place of peace and joy. Be a Christ-bearer, especially to your family. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin offers this little piece of advice, “Be kind to all.”