FaithICSAJ15


 * December 12th 2014 Gospel **


 * Luke 1:39-47 **

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">But Mary said to the angel, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">“How can this be, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">since I have no relations with a man?” <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">And the angel said to her in reply, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">Therefore the child to be born <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">will be called holy, the Son of God. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">has also conceived a son in her old age, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">for nothing will be impossible for God.” <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">May it be done to me according to your word.” <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">Then the angel departed from her.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">This passage talks about when the angel Gabriel comes down to earth to tell Mary that the Lord is with her. Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive a son and marry a man named Joseph. Mary's relative, Elizabeth, will conceive a son too. But Mary will conceive the Son of the Most High, the Son of God, Jesus, whose kingdom will last forever.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">Summary **

I think this is an important passage because it is the beginning of Jesus' life and legacy. This passage tells that there is more than a savior, an enlightener, and an inspirer. I also think that God is trying to protect us and teach us by giving us someone to get an example from and learn from. This passage shows that if you follow God you will get rewarded. I feel that it says never to be afraid of God and his works because he will amaze you. God will speak to you in some ways whether if it's through prayer, luck, or anything else. Nothing is impossible with God and his works. This passage relates to real life because when people pray to God, He answers their prayers.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">Reflection **

If people pray to God and follow his rules they can be rewarded. If we go to mass, pray, follow the Ten Commandments, and help others we can live out this message. These example are showing people living this message because they're following God and Jesus asked for. We need to do these things to please God. You may even feel better about yourself and that's a plus! we also need to live this message to make other people feel better and be happy. People who live this message are usually happy and don't ask for much.


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 13px;">Prayer **

Lord help me be better at following your commands. Please me be thankful and pray more often to you. Thank you for answering my prayers and teaching me right from wrong. Help me understand that possessions aren't everything. Help me be more friendly and understand that you're everything.