Wednesday 25th March – Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Reflection: Luke 1: 26-38

TRUSTING GOD’S PLAN

Three young plants, “A”, “B” and “C” shared their ambitions with one another. “A” started, “I want to be a very strong tree and made into a chest to store the finest jewels in the world”. “B” said, “I want to be a tall and strong tree and be built into mighty ships that would carry great kings” while “C” said: “I desire to be a very tall tree; so tall that everyone would look up to me.” These trees grew to maturity and were felled. “A” was made into a feeding trough for animals and “B” into a small boat for use by the local villagers while “C” was felled and forgotten at a street corner. All three were unhappy because they had not attained their ambitions.

One cold evening, a man and woman needed a place to have their baby and as there was no room in the inn, they had to make do with a manger in Bethlehem. Only when “A” saw shepherds coming to see the child did he realize that He held within him, the Son of God. Several years later, there was a mighty storm while “B” was out on the sea, then suddenly a man in the boat rose and rebuked the storm; then he realized whom he was carrying – the King of kings. About 3 years later, “C” was still lying at the street corner in Jerusalem when someone picked him up because of his height and made into a cross for a man called Jesus to carry to his death at Golgotha. Indeed the whole world was going to look up to Him for redemption and salvation till the end of time.

Did these young plants attain their deepest desires? Sure, they did in the most marvelous way! Like “A”, “B” and “C”, we may not understand the path God is leading but we can trust Him with our lives. He has a much more beautiful plan for you than you can ever imagine. Our Blessed Mother said yes to God without knowing what the future held and today, the Church celebrates her “Yes” because it has brought redemption to mankind. Today, surrender your plans, hopes and aspirations to God and trust His beautiful plan for your life.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for the assurance that you have great plans for me. Please help me to submit to you each day with faith and trust. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 84 – Was Mary only an instrument of God?

Mary was more than a merely passive instrument of God. The Incarnation of God took place through her active consent as well.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” Luke 1:38 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Psalm 40:7-11; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38