Towards the conclusion of Luke's Gospel, women discover the resurrected Jesus and are initially perplexed and unable to comprehend the event (24:4). Two men in dazzling attire, likely angels, encounter them, prompting reflection on the event's significance with the question, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead?' This narrative prompts us to consider moments in our lives when people fail to grasp God's deeper meaning in their existence. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, the mother of James, and other women then proceed to inform the apostles, embodying the role of delivering good news, even in the face of disbelief.
At the Gospel's outset, an angel greets Mary with, 'Greetings, favored one. The Lord is with you' (1:28), reminding us to consider who in our lives needs to hear that they are favored by God and not alone. Mary's initial response mirrors the women's at the tomb: confusion and skepticism. This skepticism is not unusual; even the apostles doubted the women's news of Jesus' resurrection until Peter saw the empty tomb himself, illustrating that understanding sometimes requires personal experience.
The narrative encourages us to delve deeper into God's mystery. For Mary, it was accepting the call to bear a son. For the women at the tomb, it was sharing the news of resurrection. However, fear is a common response, as seen when the women are terrified (24:5). Yet, the angelic message in both scenarios is, 'Do not be afraid' (1:30). We, too, are called to offer reassurance in the face of fear, recognizing it as a natural reaction to seemingly impossible challenges. Peter's initial hesitance, 'Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man' (Luke 5), is met with Jesus' comforting, 'Do not be afraid' (5:10), urging us to overcome our fears and hesitations in responding to God's call.
When Mary questions, 'How can this be, for I am a virgin?' (1:34), the angel reassures her of the Holy Spirit's empowerment. This prompts us to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and to pray for its presence in the lives of those in need. Mary's subsequent visit to Elizabeth highlights the overflowing nature of the Holy Spirit, a lesson mirrored by the women who informed the apostles.
Our calling today mirrors that of the angels: first, to approach those who are most in need or spiritually impoverished, offering a pathway of hope, even amid resistance and reluctance. Second, our role is to be a presence and is not to provide all the answers but to guide others in discovering God's gifts through their experiences and reflections. Thus, emphasizing freedom allows the Holy Spirit to work where it wills. Allowing others the free space to choose. Third, our prayers for the Holy Spirit's guidance are crucial, not only for ourselves but also for its outpouring onto others in need. Fourth, as instruments of God's mercy and bearers of light in darkness, we must remember that our presence is not permanent. In our departure, similar to the angel leaving Mary (1:38), those we've touched are never truly alone; 'The Lord is with you' (1:28) assures them of God's perpetual presence, even in our absence.
Questions for further reflection
How can we recognize moments in our lives when we are called to deliver messages of hope like the angels?
In what ways does skepticism or disbelief challenge our faith, and how can we overcome these obstacles?
How does personal experience deepen our understanding and connection to God's message?
How can we more actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our daily lives and decisions?
What role does fear play in our spiritual journey, and how can we find courage to face it?
How can we support others in discovering the presence of God in their own lives through reflection and experience?
In what practical ways can we embody the role of being a bearer of hope and light in today's world?
Listen to the following song while reflecting on these questions.
Song - Blessings - Laura Story
Final Prayer
Loving Father, we come before You as bearers of hope, inspired by the angels in Luke's Gospel to spread Your light in a world often shadowed by doubt and fear. Grant us the courage to share the good news of Your love, the wisdom to see Your hand at work in our lives, and the strength to stand firm in faith even when faced with disbelief. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may guide others to Your presence through our actions and words, and let us be a source of comfort and reassurance to those who feel alone. Help us to remember that, in every moment of uncertainty, Your eternal promise of hope and salvation remains our anchor. May our lives reflect Your endless grace and mercy, as we strive to live as Your faithful messengers, embodying the hope and love You have bestowed upon us. Amen.
(Audio Available)
