Breaking the Word

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… 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. (Lk 1:26-38)

Mary was a virgin when the angel Gabriel appeared to her but she was betrothed to Joseph of the house of David. She was greatly troubled at the words of the angel. The angel had only greeted her. Mary was only troubled at what this greeting might bring to her in her life. Greetings always bring with it something. It could be something good and helpful or it could also bring some message of trouble etc. It was natural that Mary was troubled at the greetings.

When the message was communicated then Mary wondered about how this could happen. Mary’s reaction was true and just because it was humanly impossible. Mary was the only person, if at all any, who could question this situation. Mary’s question was not just to give the reason for the impossibility but the demand for the reason for the divine intervention and the divine purpose for such an intervention.

When the divine purpose and the divine intention were made clear and understandable Mary could not but accept it. It was for this purpose the people of Israel where waiting for years and the expectations could be fulfilled at anytime and the present time was very apt for it. As a creature of God, Mary gives her fiat to God. As creatures, we have to accept and collaborate with the plan of God and Mary is a perfect model for that.

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years…After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, "So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others."  (Lk 1:5-25)

God does his work with detailed preparation and exact execution. Nothing needs explanation and man only stands in wonder at the happenings. Man is given explanations and proofs but man should have a bit of faith to see God active in history and nature and in the events of the days. God reveals his designs in the daily, normal happenings of the events.

Here, the scene is set. Herod was the king and Zechariah was ministering at the altar of the Lord. He was a righteous man so also was his wife. Everything goes well except for one thing. This is how the needed situation is highlighted. When everything around a person is perfect except for one thing then that becomes more visible. Also no situation will be perfectly correct for anyone on earth which does not need God intervention.

God’s action is planned and it happens at the right time. As it is said God does ‘at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others’ (Lk 1:25). God executes his activities at a time when he finds it fit for us. It is like saying we search for Him and He will find us. We have our disgrace, suffering, pain etc. but he will deal with it at His time and at His will.