Readings:
Is. 7:10-14; Ps. 24; Luke 1:26-38
Rev.
Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia
LEARN
TO ACCEPT THE WILL OF GOD JUST LIKE MARY
As the great event of Christmas draws very
near, the liturgy in a special way today, reminds us about the mysterious event
of the Annunciation of the Lord, an
event that marks nine months before the birth of Jesus at Christmas, recalling
the very moment when our Lord and Saviour was conceived in the womb of Mary, as
she responded to the revelation of God’s Good News through the Archangel
Gabriel saying: I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to
your Word. With this response, the Word became flesh and dwells among us
through a humble Virgin, thereby revealing the arrival of the long-awaited Saviour into the world as we have it in our Gospel passage today.
In our first reading, we heard how King Ahaz also received revelation from God through the prophet Isaiah, of the coming of
God’s salvation to his people. But Ahaz refused to accept the sign, out of
false humility, saying that he would not put God to the test even when the
prophet had specifically said that God would give him a sign. This shows a lack of
faith and disobedience from King Ahaz which is quite opposite to that of Mary
who humbly accepted God’s will.
When compared the response of Mary to that
of Ahaz, who further led the people of Judah into sin, as he did not follow or
obey God’s laws. We will see that his lack of faith is indeed opposite to
Mary’s total submission to God, his pride and false humility are opposite of
Mary’s total humility and devotion to God.
Hence, Mary has become a role model for all of us, as her obedience and
willingness to accept her role as the Mother of God and Saviour is something
that all of us as Christians should also emulate in our own lives.
Dear friends, this year has been filled
with a lot of uncertainty, sorrow and grief, challenges and trials, obstacles,
difficulties and suffering all over the world. But we are consoled in today’s
Gospel passage that talks about the Annunciation of our Lord and Saviour with
the words of the angel, telling us not to be afraid, for we have won God’s
favour. This is to make us know that the Lord has special plans for us if only
we can accept the will of God and be humble and submissive to God’s will just
like Mary, so we too can say in faith: “Let it be done to me according to your
will”.
Thus, we are called to draw strength,
faith and courage from Mary in her total submission to God’s will, knowing that
despite all the darkness, sorrow and uncertainties in our country today. God
will not abandon his people. His promise of salvation is a reality that we will
surely experience. Therefore, let us entrust ourselves in humility to God just
as Mary had done. Let us ask for his mercy and forgiveness as we also forgive
one another. It is not time to judge people or lose faith. Rather, it is time
to pray for each other as we grow stronger in faith and our love and devotion
to God. knowing that he is closer to us in these challenging moments for he
does not fail in his promises.
LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as the event
of Advent comes to its peak, the occasion of the annunciation reminds us of
your promises and plans to redeem humanity, as we listen to your words today,
may we respond positively to your requests and so be filled with the joy of
your presence, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.
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