Reflection for Fourth Sunday of Advent
First Reading:2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16
Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
It was not too many years ago that we would carry pictures in our wallet or purse of loved ones. Today, we may have lots of pictures saved our phones. Why do we have these pictures? It’s a way to make someone present to us and other people. However, the best way is always face to face. The Incarnation is about God becoming present to us face to face in the best possible way, in the person of Jesus Christ. We learn about this in today’s gospel. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High…
Today’s gospel is the Annunciation, the second Joyful Mystery of the rosary. God chose the humble virgin Mary to be the Mother of God. God did not choose a rich and famous woman of the time. Mary completely cooperates with God’s will and His Divine Plan for our salvation. Her “yes” to God’s will was continuous throughout her entire life. In the same way, we must say “yes” to God’s will and cooperate with His plan for each one of us.
In the announcement that the Archangel Gabriel makes to Mary, we hear: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. This is not the first time that the word “overshadow” is used in the Bible. In Exodus 40:34 we read how a mysterious cloud overshadowed the tent in which Israel kept the ark of the covenant. The Lord’s presence filled it.
St. Luke tells is that within Mary’s womb, the presence of the Lord will be found, in the person of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
In addition to this awesome announcement to Mary, there was a second part about her cousin Elizabeth, who miraculously will bear a child. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.
Jesus Christ is the source of our hope. As we approach Christmas in a few days, we too can make Jesus present in our world today through our loving thoughts, words and actions!
A blessed Christmas to everyone!
Deacon Mike