Do Not Be Afraid - Weekday Homily Video

Over the past several days, while getting over the flu, I realized that this third week of Advent was going to be different and a little uncertain. I think most of us feel better when we have a plan—whether for the day, for the week, and definitely when getting ready for Christmas. But what about when something happens and suddenly our plan goes out the window?

I’d imagine that Mary had a regular routine in her life, like many of us, and she was going about her business when, out of the blue, the angel Gabriel appeared. That alone would be startling. (Imagine you’re at home doing your laundry or working remotely when an angel appears!) This is why Gabriel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Well, that would help. It was good news from God; but still, what was it?

A Radical Change

We know that Mary was betrothed to Joseph, so the two of them had a plan to be husband and wife and live an ordinary life. But everything that the angel Gabriel said after telling Mary not to be afraid and that she had found favor with God was a radical change. For Mary to be told that she would conceive a son who would be our Savior, and that it would happen through the Holy Spirit, is unimaginable.

Yet, we know Mary’s response after asking, “how could this be?” and hearing Gabriel’s answer, was, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your word.”

Let me ask you, what’s changed in your plans, whether this Advent or this year, something you didn’t see coming and yet have had to deal with? God has the ability to help each of us contend with unexpected or unwanted changes in our lives. Everything from health to unexpected visits from relatives on Christmas day; fair warning to my cousins in N.Y.!

Trust in God

Gabriel says what we all need to hear, especially when things don’t go as we had hoped, and we are worried or disappointed: “do not be afraid” and “nothing will be impossible for God.” This means that whatever altered course we need to travel between now and Christmas, we can trust that God will lead us to where we need to go, even if we can only see one step at a time.

May God bless you and your families this holy day!

• Today’s Readings

• Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

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