We live in perplexing, alarming, even frightening times.

Conflicts proliferate, our planet is in peril, our economy sputtering. Who among us hasn't wondered, What is God up to these days? Who hasn't asked, What part does God want me to play?

Even amid confusion and concern, pessimism and alarm, we can turn for hope to the unusual experience of a young Middle Eastern girl.

The Gospel writer Luke reminds us that though Mary is perplexed, the angel (God’s messenger) assures her that God favors her, that God has chosen her and that in all circumstances -- as bizarre and even dangerous as they may seem -- God is ultimately in control. For that reason, she need not be afraid.

I believe that the Holy Spirit gave Mary that peace and assurance not just in words, but in a special blessing of presence and courage that infused her entire being. It was a deeply expansive gift, powerful enough for Mary to draw upon throughout her life – from age 14 to 40 and beyond -- as she watched her son Jesus grow in grace and the saw firsthand how the angel’s predictions for her unborn child unfolded.

These words of blessing -- Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God -- helped her grasp God’s purpose for her and for the whole world, even as she endured public and private pain. Recognizing her own unworthiness, she understood that it was precisely in this weakness that God’s presence, power and purpose could be made known.

Just as God, through Gabriel, chose Mary for important work, the Savior she bore has called us. “You did not choose me,” Jesus said. “I chose you.” (John 15:16)

Jesus has chosen us for God’s purposes – to make peace, to seek justice, to proclaim the reign of God, to release captives, to preach, teach and heal in His name, to bless our neighbors and God’s creation, and to align our lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In spite of our unworthiness, fear, and lack of comprehension, we are called, and we are chosen. This is an astonishing part of God's plan: that not one of us, not even Mary, the mother of our Lord, could boast of our own accomplishments, knowledge, cleverness or insight.

Do not be afraid! Let us embrace our calling with joy and courage, with our hearts and minds and spirits rejoicing in God our Savior. And, as God has promised, God will continue to bless us, guide us, challenge us, nourish us, heal us and send us for generations to come.

Thank you, God, that you chose the lowly, the marginalized and the humble to show us your intentions for our time here on earth. We praise you that your mercy is for all, that your justice is above all, and that in all circumstances your grace is real for us. Amen!

In Christ,

+ Claire S. Burkat, bishop

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

-- Luke 1:26-30, 46-50

Icon: Annunciation from Ustyug, Novogorod School, 12th Century