>>Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. The past 10 months now, living with covid-19 and this new normal we find ourselves often asking a question – or at least I hear of many people asking the question: how can this be? How can this be? How did we ever get here, to such a place? But here we are, living with all the ramifications of this pandemic. How can this be?

Those four short words make up one of the most famous questions in all of sacred scripture. And, we reflect on Mary’s role in the birth of Christ and our salvation. We reflect on this today and we hear Mary troubled by the angel, Gabriel’s message. And Mary asks a great question: how can this be?

I want us to remember and take to heart what Gabriel tells her. ‘The Holy Spirit will over shadow you.’ and here’s why I want you to remember and pray over that thought.

We ask ourselves: can I continue to be strong and patient, kind and compassionate during these covid times? Can I still make time for others? Can I be generous with the little that I might have? Can I forgive someone who has hurt or wronged me? Worry about someone else, even though I’m struggling? Can I love more than I want to receive? How can this be?

And the only answer is the same given to Mary by the angel Gabriel. The Holy Spirit will over shadow you. And the seemingly impossible becomes possible because we are not facing these things alone.

God is not expecting us to figure everything out on our own or go through life or the challenges we face on our own. And nor would Mary give birth to Jesus on her own.

And so, friends, today I ask you to think about this, what makes you ask: how can this be? And remember, God was with Mary. God never abandoned Mary. And, it will be the same with us.