A Homily on Luke 1:26–38 : You Have Found Favour with God (20-12-25)

A reflection on Luke 1:26–38, showing how hidden faithfulness, like Mother Mary’s and the faithful of the Old Testament, brings favour with God.(20-12-25)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

Long ago, in a quiet village, there stood a small temple where a little lamp had to burn day and night. At first, many people came, hoping to gain honour or reward, but when nothing came of their efforts, one by one they stopped visiting, leaving the temple quiet and the lamp often unlit. Then a young girl from a nearby house quietly took it upon herself to care for the lamp. She expected nothing in return, yet every morning she cleaned it, filled it with oil, and lit the flame, and every evening she returned to make sure it still shone. Years passed, and the little lamp continued to shine because of her steadfast devotion. One rainy evening, the king passing by noticed the lamp glowing steadily in the darkness, inquired about who had kept it burning, and when he learned of the girl’s quiet faithfulness, he was deeply moved and honoured her. In that moment, her steadfast devotion was rewarded, and she had truly found favour in the sight of the king.

In today’s Gospel, the angel tells Mary, “You have found favour with God.” Like the girl with the lamp, Mary’s favour did not come from seeking attention or reward. It came from a heart that was humble, prayerful, and ready to obey God’s will. From the moment the angel appeared, she said “Yes” without hesitation, accepting a mission far beyond her understanding. Her life exemplifies patience, courage, and trust, as she prepared to carry the Saviour of the world.

The Old Testament shows us the same truth: Noah found favour because he walked faithfully in a corrupt world, Hannah prayed quietly with a humble heart, and David was chosen while tending sheep, unnoticed by the world. In each case, favour came from hidden faith, steadfastness, and a heart aligned with God. Mary continues that line of faithful servants, reminding us that God’s favour rests not on recognition or achievement but on love, humility, and devotion.

 God’s Favour does not remove the hardships of life. Noah faced the flood, Hannah faced sorrow, David faced enemies, and Mary faced misunderstanding, exile, and grief. Yet favour gives strength to live faithfully amid trials. Families today experience similar challenges: prayer may go unnoticed, sacrifices may seem small, yet God sees all and values every faithful act. Saint Therese of the Child Jesus reminds us that God looks at love, not the size of our work. Small acts done with faith and devotion, whether in prayer, in service to family, or in care for others, shine like the little lamp in the darkness and prepare our hearts for God’s work.

Advent calls us to live faithfully in ordinary life, trusting that God sees even what is hidden. Like the girl with the lamp and like Mary, our quiet, faithful choices matter deeply, for God whispers to every sincere heart: “You have found favour with me.”

Lord Jesus,  let me find favour in your sight. Amen.

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