Before We Give, We Receive | One-Minute Homily

Sometimes we feel more comfortable giving gifts rather than receiving them. Hunter D’Armond, SJ, reflects on Mary and how we need to humbly receive God’s grace before we are able to give to others. Based on the readings for Sunday, December 20, 2020.

Why is it so awkward receiving Christmas gifts???

Hi, I’m Hunter D’Armond and this is my One-Minute Reflection.

If you are anything like me, you might enjoy giving other people gifts, but when it’s time to receive a gift, well, it becomes a little uncomfortable.

We shouldn’t worry, though, because I think Mary felt similarly when the angel Gabriel told her, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” The gospel says she was troubled and didn’t know what that meant.

But at the end of Mary and Gabriel’s conversation, she humbly accepts this gift from God in saying “may it be done to me according to your word.” It’s by humbly accepting this tremendous gift from God that she is then able to give birth to the greatest gift to the world: Jesus Christ.

So, following the example of Mary, let us remember that the more we allow ourselves to be filled up with God’s gift of grace, the more we can give birth to Christ in our own lives.