Daily Flash
Monday, March 31, 2008
Annunciation of the Lord

Focus: 'For nothing will be impossible with God' (Lk 1:37)

Mary hailed from Nazareth, a small, agricultural village in Galilee that would not have made it to the top ten likely choices for the Messiah's hometown. In fact, the Old Testament does not mention the name! Mary had no human claim to receive a visitation as described in today's Gospel. She was not the daughter of a chief priest or a Jewish aristocrat, nor the wife of a famous scribe, lawyer or Pharisee. Just a simple, unknown girl.

Mary's betrothal to Joseph related her to the house of David. David's dynasty had lain dormant since 586 BC and the Romans were merely the latest foreign power to rule the land. Thus, being part of David's line brought her no privilege, honour or authority. She may have been married to a man of royal blood but Joseph was a humble carpenter, living a quiet, run-of-the-mill life in the secluded village called Nazareth.

How blessed to have faith (Focus) in such humble circumstances! Then again, being a virgin, Mary did not rush into a physical relationship as a logical means to 'fulfil the prophecy'. The knot in the umbilical cord between God and humanity created by Eve's disobedience was untied by the new Eve, Mary, through obedience.

Fruit: Am I facing an 'impossible' situation in my job, finances or a relationship? Let me take a step in faith and say like Mary, 'Fiat' - 'Let it be with me according to your word' (Lk 1:38).