12/8/2025 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 1:26-38

26 And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” blessed are you among women
29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
32 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,
33 And of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”
35 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.
36 And behold your cousin Elizabeth, she also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who is called barren:
37 Because no word shall be impossible with God.
38 And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.

12/8/2025 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 1:26-38

When we reflect on the moment the angel approached Mary in the Gospel above, we often marvel at the greatness of the event: a young woman receiving a divine message that would change the course of human history. But beyond the miracle lies something equally powerful, the everyday virtues Mary embodied, virtues that ordinary people like us can practice in our own lives.

First, Mary shows us the virtue of deep listening. When the angel greeted her, she did not react impulsively. She listened. In a world filled with noise such as notifications, deadlines, voices competing for our attention, Mary teaches us the strength found in quiet openness. Ordinary people can practice this by taking small pauses during the day: listening before reacting, praying before deciding, reflecting before speaking. Deep listening allows God’s whisper to be heard in the midst of life’s chaos.

Second, Mary’s humility stands out. She did not consider herself great or deserving of attention. She simply saw herself as a servant willing to be part of God’s plan. Humility today is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking beyond ourselves. An ordinary person shows humility when they help without expecting recognition, when they choose kindness over winning an argument, when they admit mistakes and seek to grow. Humility opens the heart to God’s work, just as it did for Mary.

Third, Mary demonstrates courage. Her “yes” to God was not an easy one. It came with uncertainty, possible judgment, and a future she did not fully understand. Yet she chose to trust. Many people today face fears including fear of failure, fear of change, fear of not being enough. Mary’s example reminds us that courage does not mean having all the answers; it means stepping forward even when we don’t. Ordinary courage appears in parents working hard for their families, students facing challenges with determination, or individuals standing for what is right even when it is difficult.

Fourth, Mary’s faith shines brightly. She believed that God could do what seemed impossible. Her faith was not blind; it was anchored in trust. In our everyday lives, faith grows when we choose hope over despair, when we keep praying even when answers feel delayed, when we remind ourselves that God is present in both victories and struggles. Mary teaches us that faith is not merely believing in miracles—it is believing that God walks with us in the ordinary.

Finally, Mary’s surrender is a profound example of love. “Let it be done to me” was not resignation; it was a declaration of trust and love. Surrender today means letting go of excessive control, trusting that God knows what we need, and allowing Him to guide our plans. Ordinary people can surrender by offering their worries, their dreams, and even their failures to God each day.

Mary’s virtues namely listening, humility, courage, faith, and surrender, are not beyond reach. They are gifts we can nurture in small but meaningful choices. As we imitate her, we open our hearts to God’s surprising grace, allowing Him to do extraordinary things through our ordinary lives.

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