Breaking the Word

1^st Week of Advent, Saturday – 9^th December 2023 – Isaiah 30,19-21.23-26; Mt 9,35-10,1.5-8

Promised Time of Restoration

The first reading from Isaiah consists of words of consolation for the people of Zion, who are God’s people. They shall weep no more because the Lord will respond to their cries for help. God’s grace is in favour of those who do not deserve it. Isaiah encourages the weary believers with the promise, a future day, when God will establish his divine rule and proclaim a time when there will be joy (v.20), truth (v.21), abundant feasting (v.23), refreshment (v.25) and light (v.26). This is the time when God will restore to Israel her land to enjoy the blessings of the kingdom. The land would be restored and become prosperous again, and God would bind up the bruises and heal the wounds of his people. For God is a God of compassion and love for those who call on him.

Immaculate Conception, Friday — 8^th December 2023 — Gospel: Luke 1,26-38

Holiness is Just “Yes” Away

Always God’s Initiative: In the Old Testament, we marvel at the many accounts of God’s call to chosen people to fulfill a certain mission. We are familiar with the calling of Moses (cf. Exodus 3), the prophets Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 6), and Jeremiah (cf. Jeremiah 1), and many others. In the New Testament, Mary is the prototype of God’s calling. In all cases, God is the one who takes the initiative; he sends his messenger to communicate his choice. For Mary, the humble girl of Nazareth, this calling comes unexpectedly and is beyond purely human possibilities. For this reason, she is troubled by the words of the angel Gabriel and wonders about the greeting he gives. Do I keep in mind that God’s plan for my life comes of his own initiative? Have I given my answer yet?

To Respond in Freedom: God doesn’t want Mary to act blindly; he wants a response that involves her whole heart, mind and soul. For this reason, the angel Gabriel answers Mary’s questions and concerns, which do not manifest doubt but, rather, humility in seeking to understand God’s will. God created Mary free of sin and filled her with grace and goodness. Yet he respects her freedom to choose to do his will. What a mystery that the all-powerful God who created all things and who lovingly cares for us should be so generous in respecting our freedom.

Holiness Is Just a “Yes” Away: After hearing God’s messenger, Mary must give her consent. She does so willingly. Her generosity perfectly echoes God’s. She dedicated her life to saying “yes” to everything God asked of her, no matter what it was. She was rewarded with the grace of the Assumption. That means giving a simple, humble “yes” to every opportunity provided by God leads to holiness, i.e., to become more Christ-like. Every moment of the day is a new opportunity for us to imitate Mary’s excellent example.