The fourth Sunday of Advent is the Church's immediate preparation for the Liturgy of Christmas. During this week, the Simbang Gabi celebrations also approaches its high point. As the memorial day of the birth of the Lord nears, the Church presents to us the figure of Mary. She is the one after all who opens the door to the Incarnation by her cooperation in God's project of salvation. Read the relevant articles below and use the rest of this page as your guide to the Gospel reading from Luke 1:26-38.
1. Mary: A Figure of Advent
In a previous article, we mentioned that the Sundays of Advent present to us models from the Scriptures that exemplify the attitude of waiting appropriate for the season. In today's gospel selection, we are presented the figure of Mary, the maid from Nazareth.
Exercise:Make a list of the episodes in Mary's life that you remember beginning from the time the angel Gabriel speaks to her until her last mention in the Scriptures (in Acts, where she sits at the head of the apostolic college waiting for the Holy Spirit). (Most of these episodes are remembered periodically by the Church, in the recitation of the rosary and her memorials. Among these are the Seven Sorrows of Mary). All of these episodes are the consequences of her "FIAT". Just take a moment to replay these events of Mary's life.
2. Mary's Obedience
Luke intentionally mentions Zechariah's annunciation first before that of Mary because John the Baptist appeared first before Jesus. But by doing so, he also compares both the figures of Zechariah and Mary. Review the previous selection from Luke 1:5-23 and try to see how Zechariah compares with Mary (note how Zechariah and Mary pose their questions to the angel.)
Reflect. After reviewing the episodes of Mary's life, what can you say about her initial "Yes"? Would you say that the piety of those who agree to cooperate with God's projects are weak? You too by your baptism have become a participant in the project of evangelization. This is your time to make that project your own: would you like Mary take upon the project of evangelization?
3. The Principle of Incarnation
Mary agrees to share in the Incarnation, God's project for salvation. By saying "Yes", Mary opens the door for the Word of God to take on flesh. In other words, because of her, the Second Person of the Trinity, God, makes his identification with man so complete that He is able to see, hear, speak as men see, hear and speak. Through the Incarnation too God is able to carry out his plan of saving men from death.
Reflect. We too are invited to give flesh to the Word of God through lives that have been changed. Like Mary, we too are asked to be the door through which God can encounter our contemporaries and touch their lives. Are you prepared to respond positively to this invitation?
