How many of us leap out of bed in the morning fired with the enthusiasm of knowing we have a very special job to do? How many of us wake up hitting the ‘snooze button’ not relishing our day’s work one little bit? Sadly most of fall into the second category, but the truth is that there is no need to live routinely hum drum and unfulfilled lives. We are told that God has a very particular job for each of us to do; all we have to do is answer the call.

Today we hear how the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced her very special calling … to be the Mother of Jesus. From that moment on, Mary’s life would never be the same again. From that moment on the normal life she had planned with Joseph was to be turned upside down. She was about to embark on a life of great excitement, great uncertainty, challenges, joys and sorrows, but above all, great fulfilment. Answering God’s call could never be boring.

We might not get angels knocking on the door, but God calls us each as surely as he called Mary. We mightn’t think we have what it takes to step up to the mark, but the only qualifications God asks are a willingness to make ourselves available, commitment and trust. Mary demonstrates these qualifications when she answers very readily, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”