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Saturday of the ThirdWeek of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4AB, 5-6
Luke 1:26-38
Summary
In the first reading we are given the prophecy that a sign will be given to us in
the form of a baby boy born of a virgin. In the Gospel reading we hear the sto-
ry of the annunciation, when Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel and asked to
be the mother of Jesus.
Reflection
In this story, we hear a skeptical Mary.When the angel Gabriel comes to her and
promises a child, Mary at first is uncertain, even incredulous, and reminiscent of
Sarah who came before her. Like everyone else of her time, she knew there was
only one way to become pregnant. But the angel reminds her,“Nothing will be
impossible for God.”
We are now only five days from Christmas and we are moving to a period of ho-
ly impatience. Christmas is a time of wonder and mystery. It is a time of great
joy, excitement and exultation. Jesus came, Jesus is coming, Jesus is here!
But for many, it can be a time of cynicism and disbelief as the stark contrast be-
tween those with abundance and those with little is heightened.This year
Americans will spend $450 billion in the month of December.The global water
crisis could be solved with $20billion, or 5% of what we spend.When Gabriel
speaks to Mary he is presenting her with a reality, where things that seemed im-
possible (like her elderly cousin becoming pregnant) are possible. In response,
Mary gives a resounding yes that changed the world forever. G-d invites us to
change the world, too. Our Lord invites us to be partners, co-creators, co-
builders of the kingdom, a place where abundance is normative for all people.
What could we achieve if we gave that same resounding yes to the world
changing that G-d invites us to?
Prayer
Generous Lord, let us always remember that we
are your hands and feet in this world. Let us be
grateful for our abundance, generous in our
giving, and ever mindful that with you all
things are possible.