THE WORD
Gen 3,9-15.20 / Eph 1,3-6.11-12/ Lk 1,26-38
In the sixth month, 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 the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
IN OTHER WORDS
PAEWAN” --- Pray About Everything, Worry About Nothing. It could also mean Pray About Everyone, Worry About No one. “Ewan” means, I don’t know, but God knows! “EWAN” could also mean, leave it all in God’s heart.
Mama Mary was strong in spite of everything and inspite of everyone because she knew how to trust God and obey God. “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.”
There are many things that we do not understand nor can explain in life, but we must continue to just trust in God’s will and plan. Let us stop rewinding and keep on thinking of the could-havebeens and should-have-beens. Also, let us stop fast forwarding, worrying and fearing. Like Mama Mary, let us learn to joyfully trust and surrender everything and everyone to God, here and now.
The most important virtues we should ask from Mama Mary are humility and obedience. Without these, our journey to God’s heart will be slow, if not, labored and uncertain.
Humility is the key, and obedience is the way to God’ heart. Let us consecrate ourselves to Mama Mary today and pray: “Oh my Queen, oh my Mother, remember that I am your very own. Remember that I am your very own defense, and protect me as your personal possession. Amen.
With Mama Mary, today we say, Yes, Lord, Thy will be done, Lord.
- Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD | San Jose, Batangas
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
