Breaking the Word

3^rd week of Advent, Wednesday – 20^th December 2023 – Isaiah 7,10-14; Lk 1,26-38

Protagonist’s Initiative

The virgin shall give birth to a Son who will be a manifestation of God’s presence. This is what is proclaimed in the two readings from Isaiah and Luke’s Gospel. Jesus’ being born of Mary fulfills Isaiah promises in a way Isaiah could never have imagined, Yet God knew when the Lord inspired the prophet to speak and write. Even though Mary does not ask for a sign of God’s infinite power and ability, Gabriel shows that with God nothing is or will be impossible. Through today’s Gospel we realize that God is the protagonist, who unfolds his plan for the salvation of the human race and it is purely his initiative always. He sends his Son into the world at a precise time and in a precise place. He prepares Mary beforehand with everything she will need to fulfill her mission as mother of the Redeemer. She accepts that mission in freedom and through faith.

Third Week of Advent, Tuesday — 19^th December 2023 – Judges 13,2-7.24-25; Luke 1,5-25       

Chosen for Freedom

The first reading from Judges has many parallels to the Gospel reading from Luke. Both speak of elderly couples who have never had children. Both accounts present a messenger, i.e., an angel, from God making an announcement of the birth of a son.  Both times the angel comes to the parent during a time of prayer. Both speak about the role of the chosen boy to be born of the elderly parents. Both stories also have the parents amazed at the possibility of their having a child at such an old age. The account from Judges speaks about the birth of Samson, a Nazarite child. The name means “one who saves.” Luke’s account is the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist, dedicated to ascetic life. The name means “God is gracious.” Both their lives embody their names. Both Samson and John will have key roles in helping the people of God prepare for a new life of freedom. The common elements in these announcements are:  1) Even when situations seem impossible, God intervenes to make great events happen; 2) Through prayer we can come to a clearer understanding of what God’s plan might be; and 3) Mission to work with God can be beneficial not just for ourselves, but for the people whom God wants us to help.