Have you ever been totally surprised by something? You might be delighted, terrified, special, overcome, or even unworthy of such attention.  Surprises can be fun when they’re encased in a special box – when they come from far across the country – when they are least expected.  They can also hold us in suspense, give us bad news or even set our hearts racing.

Imagine what it would be like to be a young girl living in the Middle East.  Your marriage has been arranged by your family.  Plans are being made for your wedding.  Things are going along fine when suddenly you are greeted by a bright light and an angel.  It’s amazing and frightening at the same time.

Then the angel hits you square in the nose with this news!  “You will conceive and bear a Son!”  Needless to say she was overcome.  She wanted to know how it could happen, since she had never been intimate with a man.

How will you explain this to your friends and how will your family feel being submitted to such shame?   If I were in her sandals,  I wouldn’t be nearly so willing to go along with this.

I can’t imagine what was going through this young girl’s mind when she was told that she would go through a pregnancy in such a way.  The humiliation alone would be enough for most to not want anything to do with it – but Mary accepted God’s will for her – not because she was better than anyone else, but because of her faith.

God grant me a faith like Mary and all those you have chosen to carry out your mission.  I know there are times when I resist what your will is for me.  Please look on me with mercy and  give me the strength to always follow your path for my life.  Amen!