THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Monday in the fourth week of Advent, 2021

Isa 7:10-14

Ps 24

Luke 1:26-38

The handmaid

Dear friends in Christ, its 4 days to Christmas and the liturgy today invites us to reflect on the promise of virginal conception and its fulfilment.

In today’s first reading (Isaiah 7:10-14) the prophet was sent by God to assure king Ahaz of divine assistance, and to warn him against an alliance with Assyria. But the king did not trust the word of the Lord.

The prophet returned a second time saying to him, ask for a sign, as a confirmation that God will defend him and his city. The king replied: “I will not ask, I will not put the Lord to the test.” It was in response to his refusal to trust in the Lord, that Isaiah made this all important prophesy about the virgin birth, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” There are situations like that of Ahaz in each one's life. When the challenges come like torrents or the heavy wind. Sometimes what looks most probable, is to apply human solutions and forget God. Trusting in God is the only thing that does not fail.

In the gospel (Luke 1:26-38) we have a great example of one who had absolute faith and trust in God and so abandoned herself to the will of God as revealed by the angel, to become the Mother of the Savior—the Virgin named Mary. The doubt of Zechariah, in the words of the angel, resulted in his being mute until its fulfilment. In Mary however, even at that tender age, she exhibited no doubt, all she asked of the angel was “How will this be, since I know no man?” she was still protecting her innocence and virginity. When the angel replied, “The Holy spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…” and also the fact that the elderly woman Elizabeth known to be barren is in her sixth month of pregnancy, Mary’s answer was all clear, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.” Obedience to God is the greatest source of joy for the faithful ones. If we truly want to be her children, we must remain committed to our faith, by hearing the word of God and doing what he commands.

Let us pray: We bring to you O Lord, many of our friends and people who are awaiting your intervention at this time. Minister to their needs so that the celebration of Christmas may renew their hope in your love. Amen. 

+Remain blessed