Sunday December 20th 2020: Read Br Michael’s Gospel Reflection

The 4th Sunday of Advent

Mary is called and says ‘Yes’

Today is the last Sunday of our Advent journey and we are blessed to spend it in the company of Mary. This morning we read and hear the gospel that is traditionally called The Annunciation. In this most well known of gospels; God’s messenger appears and calls Mary personally by her name. She is asked to be the Mother of Jesus. She is very naturally concerned about this request; ‘she was deeply disturbed by these words and wondered what this message could mean.’ She is not being asked to do this any of this on her own or through her own efforts; she is encouraged with the words; ‘Mary, do not be afraid, you have won God’s favour.’ After being called and encouraged, only then does she say ‘Yes’ – ‘I am the Lord’s servant, let what you have said be done to me.’

A few days before we celebrate the Nativity, given the year we have had and are still experiencing, what lessons are there for us through this gospel? On the face of it, Mary has been asked to take on what seemed like an impossible task. She neither looks for nor asks for this great responsibility which deeply disturbs her. One can only imagine how afraid, unsure and anxious she is. This is perhaps how many us have felt during this most unusual of years and are still feeling. Because of recent lock downs and social restrictions, maybe we too are still feeling a little unsure and anxious. We neither looked nor asked for the virus nor its impact or consequences. As this year comes to an end and we prepare as best we can to look forward to a new one, can we too hear the words that were spoken to Mary; ‘Do not be afraid.’

Fear has terrible effect on us. It takes away our courage and confidence. Fear stops us in our tracks and at its worst, paralyses us. Yet even given what we have experienced personally, locally, nationally and globally, we are never alone – God has been, is and will always be with us. This is what the name given to Jesus ‘Emmanuel’ mean – God-is-with-us. Now more than ever we are called and invited to hear and deeply take into our hearts and daily lives the words spoken to Mary when she needed support the most in her life – Do not be afraid.

Mary had the courage and strength to honestly admit that she was anxious and needed help. In response to her honest humility, she is affirmed, encouraged and strengthened with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. She is not on her own and neither are we on this last Sunday of Advent. God who called Mary by her name continues to call us by our name. God who asked her not be afraid gently whispers the very same words to us as we prepare to celebrate what will more than likely be a very different Christmas for all of us; ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you.’  Mary too stands with us by our side this day. She is our Mother and will never desert nor abandon us.

And so we pray..

Come Holy Spirit, breath and life of God and fill us this day with all that is holy. Give us the courage and strength that you gave Mary. During these days of our final preparations for Christmas, may we too hear your words ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you.’

– Br Michael Moore OMI