The times we live in are not encouraging. Another lockdown. Another variant of the virus. Even the Dutch weather may not have felt very encouraging. We all know we need something to hope for. To rejoice in. But what if hope seems so far away? What if we lack joy? Upcoming Sunday we will again turn to the Gospel according to Luke. We will see how Mary receives a message of great hope and joy. Not only is the content of that message offering hope for us too. We can also learn from Mary how to receive good news in such a way that it transforms us.