Isaiah7:10-14,8:10
Psalm 39(40):7-11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke1:26-38
MY WILL IS TO DO YOUR WILL
Today’s gospel reading conveys three significant messages:
1.According to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus occurred through the Holy Spirit, the power of God.
- Mary is blessed among women because she gave her “fiat” to God, saying, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” God chose her for a special role in the plan of salvation, as mentioned in today’s first reading from Isaiah 7.
- Mary’s spiritual motherhood is shared by all who respond to God with the same faithfulness she did.
Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus differs significantly from Matthew’s. In Luke’s narrative, there is no mention of the Magi; instead, the shepherds from nearby fields are included, reflecting Luke’s focus on the poor and marginalized in society. The announcement of Jesus’ birth emphasizes His identity as the Son of God. When Mary responds that she does not know a man, the angel provides the sign of her aged relative Elizabeth’s pregnancy as confirmation of the angel’s message.
If a woman past childbearing age can become pregnant, the angel implies, then why should there be any doubt about Mary’s pregnancy? “Nothing is impossible for God.” The announcement of Jesus’ birth parallels the announcement of John’s birth to Zechariah. In both instances, the angel Gabriel appears to parents who are troubled by the vision and reassures them not to fear. The emphasis here is on Jesus’ identity as both the Son of David and the Son of God.
The lesson for us is this: How open am I to God’s life within me? Even when God asks the impossible, do I still believe it is possible? Do you believe that God can make you great? Do you still trust in the action of the Holy Spirit within you?
Happy Solemnity
Fr Joseph Osho
