Fourth Sunday of Advent

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Reflection on Scripture   

Throughout Advent we have spoken about our preparation for the coming of the Lord. Tradition tells us that Mary was prepared for the coming of the Lord and her constant prayer was for her to be able to assist in the Lord’s coming. What did the coming of the Lord mean to Mary and how did envision what the event would look like. The angel revealed to Mary that she was chosen by God to bear a son, who her son would be called Jesus, and that He would be the savior of His people that they had waited for a thousand of years, since the time of Abraham.

However, Mary’s response was very human. The Gospel tells us that she was greatly troubled and needed to ponder what the angel told her. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, so how could she bear a child out of marriage? What would be Joseph’s reaction when he was told? How would this event be accepted by the High Priest who followed the law handed down to Moses and that very law would have sentenced Mary to an uncertain future and possible even death?

The angel understood Mary’s confusion and he told her that her cousin Elizabeth, who was pass her childbearing years, was pregnant and then the angel told Mary that, “for nothing will be impossible for God”. Within the framework of the angel’s message, Mary moved from human understanding and in blind faith accepted the will of God the Father.

Preparation for the Lord’s coming is the foundation upon which our faithfulness will be blessed with an understanding and knowledge of the will of God which exceeds human understanding. Preparation allows us to explore our fear and test our faith so our faith is strengthened, and we can accept the divine, which is beyond human understanding.

Our preparation, which is encountering God in prayer in the silence of our hearts, builds a trust that God is with us as He was with David and the many generations of his kin down to the birth of Jesus. Preparation prepares the soil so the seed, which is the Word of God, may take root and bear much fruit. Preparation allows miracles to happen as an ordinary part of human existence to those who believe.

But preparation only takes us so far. We will come to a crossroads when we must accept what God has communicated to us. We must ponder these things in our hearts and then in faith accept as Mary did when she said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Mary’s fiat changed the world for the better forever and allowed the Son of God to take on our humanity. Every day the Lord speaks to us, so we too may be transformed, as Mary was transformed, by His love and bring that love into the world. We only need to say yes.

Are we preparing the soil to accept the seed of faith? Have we asked the Lord to give us the grace to accept His will, whatever that may be? Are we ready to be the instruments that bear the Christ child in our hearts, welcome Him with open arms, and share Him with all humanity?

Come Lord Jesus. Maranatha.

May the Lord continue to bless you,
Deacon Phil