On the fourth Sunday of Advent we hear in the in the Gospel Reading of the Eucharistic Liturgy about the immaculate conception of Mary. The unexpected appearance of the angel Gabriel, greetings of the angel to Mary as favoured one by God, confession of Mary that she is the handmaid of God and let her happen according to the word of God, are impressive events in the message of annunciation.
I find two expressions in this text important. First: The angel said to Mary: “do not be afraid“. During the appearance of the angel to the shepherds on the field in Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Jesus the angel said to them the same: “do not be afraid”. That means God visits us to liberate us from all kinds of fear. Mary was first speechless and unsure. The angel conveyed the message that she would bear a son although she did not know a man and this child would inherit the throne of David and his kingdom will have no end. It was an unbelievable message. Mary could not imagine that she would be the chosen one by God to conceive the redeemer of the world. Nevertheless Mary said to the angel: „ Behold, I am the handmaid of God; let it be to me according to your word.“ She was favoured by God and the Holy Spirit came over her. Just as Maria could not think of her being chosen, she lived in Nazsreth even after knowing as being chosen, as a simple woman like any other woman of her class in Nazareth. When I think of Mary I think of Joseph also. Joseph also did not know about being chosen of the Virgin Mary. But Joseph was the first human perhaps to experience the grace of God in Mary as he decided to live with her even after her pregnancy. Joseph experienced in Mary purity, love and authenticity.
When we do not fear the intervention of God in our life and are confident about God there will happen wonderful events and unimaginable great happenings in our life. Let us not to be afraid and live fearless, let us trust in God and consecrate our life to God.
The second expression in this text which impressed me is the words of the angels to Mary. „Hail, O favoured one, the Lord is with you“. In the beginning of the Holy Mass and during the Holy Mass the priest says many times the same words of blessing: „The Lord be with you!“ In the greetings of peace the priest says: „The peace of the Lord be with you always.“ The wish and the feeling that the Lord is with us, that will give a great confidence. The greeting of the angel as favoured by God expresses the deep and intensive relationship of Mary to God. God loved her. She loved God.
The reality of being chosen by God resulted in her being immaculate. It is on the one hand the grace of God and on the other hand the merit of Mary through her virtuous life. It will be the same for every one. Grace is not only a gift, it is a merit as well.
Mary is the symbol of holiness, bliss and the best example of relationship with God and humans. As the mother of Jesus Mary had a deep and an intensive relationship with her Son Jesus Christ and she is the best mediator between God and humans, heaven and earth. We are invited to live without sin like Mary and Joseph.
In his apostolic writing named „the Joy of the Gospel“ Pope Francis writes about Mary and designate Mary as the mother of evangelisation. Just as Mary gathered together the disciples of Jesus before Pentecost and sending of the disciples of Jesus to preach the good news, Mary will gather the Christians today for a new evangelisation, says the Pope. The Pope names Mary as handmaid of the Father, friend of the humans and missionary of the Church. Pope Francis designated her also as sign of hope, mother of the Gospels, lady of faith and star of evangelisation.
The holy Mary is the best example for our relationship with God and with humans. She is example and model also for our inner attitude and for our handling among ourselves.
I conclude this message of the fourth Sunday od Advent with an early Christian blessing which says:
may the Living Lord go with you;
May he go behind you, to encourage you,
beside you, to befriend you,
above you, to watch over you,
beneath you, to lift you from your sorrows,
within you, to give you the gifts of faith, hope, and love,
and always before you, to show you the way.
Fr. Joseph Pandiappallil MCBS