An ordinary afternoon, the drive home from work, and then a volcano erupts, leaving twenty minutes to pack a whole life into one bag. That story from Iceland opens a reflection on the Annunciation (Luke 1), where God steps into the carefully planned life of a young girl from Nazareth and turns it upside down. The sermon shows that God changes our plans at the least expected moment and in ways we cannot grasp, because his plan is larger than ours. Listen, and ask yourself whether you are ready to say: here I am.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- What did becoming pregnant before marriage mean in Mary's time, and how does that change the way you hear the angel's words: "Greetings, favored one"?
- The angel doesn't explain to Mary exactly how this will happen, but he tells her about Elizabeth. What does that mention reveal about God, and why might it have encouraged Mary?
- The sermon says God changes our plans because His bigger plan requires it. How does the story of David, whose dream of serving in the army fell apart, help you understand this?
- Mary wasn't prepared or qualified, and yet she was ready. In your relationship with God, what do you think is the difference between being ready and being prepared?
- In what situation has God unexpectedly changed your plans, and what can you see in it now, looking back?
- Which of your plans is hard for you to hand over to God right now, and what could your own "Here I am, let it be to me according to your word" look like this week?
