“Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Lk. 1:26-28.

The angel’s greeting to Mary inaugurates something entirely new: God takes the initiative and enters human history in unexpected ways. It is not addressed to a powerful or influential person, but to a simple young woman from Nazareth. There the work of salvation begins.The angel’s words reveal Mary’s deep identity: “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Joy is born from knowing that we are inhabited by God and accompanied by his presence. Today this Gospel challenges us: Are we capable of welcoming God when He bursts forth in unexpected ways? Do we believe that our lives can also be a place of grace? Like Mary, we are called to listen, trust and make room for God, so that his love may continue to be incarnated in the world.