Mary Questions the Angel Gabriel

Today’s Reflection

The Bible doesn’t tell us that Mary is the first, the only one, considered. . . . All we know for sure is that Mary is the one who agrees—and that only after voicing her question and getting an answer.

—Mary Lou Redding, While We Wait: Living the Questions of Advent (Upper Room Books, 2002)

Today’s Question

What do you suppose Mary’s life was like in the days and months following her encounter with the angel Gabriel? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. … Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. …Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I haven’t had sexual relations with a man?”—Luke 1:28, 31-32, 34 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Holy God, help us to hear you calling us to come home during Advent. Guide us to set aside time for reflection on the questions we have about the wonder of your Son’s birth. Thank you for the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ. Help us to focus on him and reflect his compassion and love to others especially during this season. Amen.