Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent…

 A Thought for the day ...

LET WHAT YOU SAY BE DONE!

The fourth Sunday of Advent marks the final days of preparation for the Feast of Christmas.

We have had time to reflect on the Old Testament prophets announcing the future Messiah.  We have listened to John the Baptist as he announced the imminent arrival of the Messiah.  Now Mary enters the scene to be the one to bring the Saviour into the world.  And we are amazed at the humble response of this young girl as she obediently accepts this awesome role.  Is it any wonder that “henceforth all generations will call me blessed”!

The Gospel today is the story of the Annunciation as probably described by Mary to St Luke at a later stage.  The message is simple yet profound.  “You are to conceive and bear a son… name him Jesus… his reign will have no end”.  How? “The holy Spirit will cover you with its shadow… the child will be holy and will be called Son of God”.

Mary’s yes to the angel makes the Incarnation come about.  God becomes man in the womb of Mary.  Her yes is important.  By it she made it possible for the incarnate Son of God to carry out his saving role.  That Mary had to say “Yes” is a real indication of how important a place she has in the new covenant.  “Let what you say be done to me”.

A motto, a guideline for each of us too.

– Fr Tom Curran sma
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