Life presents many options and difficult moments. In our individual and collective experiences of living, we often encounter difficult situations and near impossible options and tasks. Mary of Nazareth finds herself in such a situation as the Angel Gabriel brings a difficult divine proposal to her. Today, the Church celebrates that singular event which is called the Annunciation of the Lord. Mary, perplexed and challenged by the proposal to become the mother of the Messiah, asks the Angel: How will that be possible? The Angel’s response is the theme of our reflection: divine empowerment – “The power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
God’s Empowering Presence
The call narratives in the Bible are usually characterised by the confession of unworthiness on the part of the one called. The mission is usually perceived as greater than mere human powers can accomplish. So, there is the inner feeling of powerlessness. It happened to Moses. It happened to Gideon. It happened to Saul and to such great prophets as Isaiah and Jeremiah, among others. In each instance, God responds by encouraging the one called with the promise of His accompaniment. The fact is that no one really is qualified to accomplish any mission for God unless God gives such a person the required power. Mary’s power to become the mother of Jesus comes entirely from God. It is all grace, unmerited favour. This divine power and accompaniment give the necessary impetus to forge ahead amidst perceived impossible situations.
Facing Challenges of Discouragement
Just as Mary experienced the divine proposal, we experience similar divine calls in diverse ways and at various moments. In these life calls, we are encouraged to forge ahead as God never leaves us unequipped with the required divine power. As people of God and as instruments of God’s saving message, we encounter obstacles daily. The world and societies in which we live, and work pose ever increasing challenges of unbelief and resistance, which are sometimes violent.
There are many contrary ideologies and more fascinating proposals from the secular world which menace the mission entrusted to us daily. Yet we are expected to keep living and preaching the message of the Cross and a Crucified and glorified Messiah. The fact is that the greater the world experiences suffering, conflicts and wars, the more daunting our task of preaching about a redeemed humanity becomes. There are many discouraging moments, but we never give up. God Himself said to Joshua: “I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go” (Josh 1:9).
In a similar way, the Angel Gabriel makes it clear to Mary; with God, nothing is impossible. In the same way, despite our human weakness, we feel invigorated to keep preaching peace and love in a society that grows in violence and hate. As the Apostle says in this beautiful passage: “But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies” (2 Cor 4:7-10). We face similar situations with the assurance of victory. Our hope is that the power of the Most High will continue to overshadow us.
A wonderful and enriching reflection. It is so true that the task of preaching about the redeemed humanity is becoming so daunting as there are so much suffering, violence and wars in different parts of the world. Thank you for reminding and encouraging us through this piece.
Thanks, dear, for your encouraging words, I so much appreciate.