Once on this feast day, I taught a Bible Study for the clients at a pregnancy center in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Cincinnati. Before a client can receive a distribution of material items from the center, he or she is required to attend a Bible Study, where the spiritual distribution of faith and encouragement occurs. We studied the differences between Mary's reaction (Lk 1:34) to the annunciation of Jesus' conception and birth as compared to Zechariah's reaction (Lk 1:18) to the annunciation of St. John the Baptist's conception and birth.
Though a teenager lacking the formal education of Zechariah the priest, Mary had no doubt that God was almighty and could do anything. Mary's questioning focused on "how" God was going to make this conception happen. On the other hand, Zechariah, the well-educated priest stationed in God's temple, doubted that God could do what the angel was saying. Mary and Zechariah asked questions that sounded similar. However, the hidden condition of their hearts was laid bare in the angel's reaction. In addition, Mary's response of traveling ninety miles "in haste" (Lk 1:39) to bring help and encouragement to the elderly Elizabeth during the end of her pregnancy gives evidence of her belief in God's promises.
Today, lift up in prayer all women who will find out this day that they are pregnant. Some will be well-educated, some not. Pray that their reaction will be one of expectant faith and hope, trusting that God has great things in mind for them and for their unborn child.
| PRAYER: | Father, in Your eyes, there is no such thing as an unplanned pregnancy. Pour out a love of life onto our nation today. |
| PROMISE: | "Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit." –Rm 12:11 |
| PRAISE: | Mary is Theotokos, Mother of God. "But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Lk 1:43) |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College