THE NEW ROARING 20’s
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. Lk.1:26-38
While we are fast approaching what people nowadays call the “New Roaring 20’s,” I started to reflect on the many changes that have taken place in the past decade. Back then, I was in college worrying about graduation requirements, applying for internships and figuring out how to ask one of my close friends on a date. Fast forward to today, I finally finished my master’s degree, work a full-time job after years of freelancing and got married to my childhood neighbor.
After all that the ups and downs that I have gone through, I cannot help but feel anxious about what this new chapter holds. Suddenly I get flashbacks of the difficult times that got me to where I am now:
What if I’m unexpectedly let go from work again?
Can I continue to serve my community while creating a more financially stable future?
How do I constantly nurture my relationship with my wife?
Reading this gospel reminded me of the instantaneous change that Mary had to go through when she learned about carrying Jesus in her womb. No matter how cheerful the angel Gabriel tried to be when announcing this news, she must have shocked knowing that her entire teenage life was over. Even greater, she must have feared for her very existence knowing that she can be stoned to death when people find out she is carrying a child without a father.
Just like Mary, we all have moments when we imagine a future full of despair in spite of all the incredible things that await us. During this Advent season, God reminds us that He is Emmanuel, someone who is with us not only during the times of triumph but also when we start playing the worst-case scenario in our head. After all, he sent his only Son to experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows of being human: born in a manger, performed miracles, followed by thousands of people, became hated for speaking truth to power and ultimately died for the sins of others.
His and Mary’s example of unworldly humility and obedience showed all of us that if we let go of what we ought our life to be and instead focus on pursuing our highest calling in life, not only can we endure more than we can imagine but God will reveal to us what His plans are for us today and for many years to come.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Father, help us entrust our future in Your hands. Give us the strength to wake up everyday with an open mind and heart, always serving others and searching for Your will.
Alfred Dicioco