9th Day of Simbang Gabi (December 24, 2023)

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Luke 1: 26-38

Today, we are about to welcome Christ as a little child. A child at a very tender age understood that his life would never be easy. For this reason, we must reflect on the lessons our Gospel today teaches us. In the Annunciation story, we contemplate the beautiful collaboration of the Father and Mary. There are just three things I would like to share.

First, the Father knows a young Mary’s vulnerability, fears, and concerns. He sends Archangel Gabriel to reassure her that there is nothing to fear. The Holy Spirit is in control, and the child to be born is the Son of God. Indeed, God knows each one of us very well. He knows your fears, he knows my concerns, and he knows very well our weaknesses. That is why, every day, the Lord sends angels to you, to me, and to all of us to remind us of His grace and loving concern for each of us. These angels come in different forms; they might be our parents, siblings, relatives, or friends. Even the people we hurt and hurt us. However, more often than not, they go unnoticed, neglected, and disregarded.

On the other hand, Mary was attentive to every detail unfolding before her. Let us emulate Mary. Be prudent to appreciate and accept God’s gifts in different forms.

Second, the Annunciation story tells us of the kind of decision Mary took for herself. It is, undoubtedly, a decision based on her love and Trust in the Father. However, we find it very difficult to do. Every time we make decisions, more often than not, we opt for the surest, easiest, and fastest self-gratification effect. Nevertheless, who would want something other than this effect? Our instinct would always lead us to this. However, we have to remember that any decision entails risk-taking.

So, emulating Mary must be clear to us that the Trust we have been talking about here should lead us to understand that True Love is beyond one’s comfort zone. And that every decision we make is a decision of self-emptying (kenosis). 

Third, like mother like son. The words of Mary: “Be it done to me according to your word,” was repeated but rephrased in the very words of her son Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane when he said: “not my will but yours be done.” These repeated words of commitment, collaboration, and entrustment resound in the very thought of St. Augustine when he said: “Awake, mankind! For your sake, God has become man… I tell you again: for your sake, God became man.”

Just like our Mother Mary, teaching ourselves to recalibrate our desire with Christ would make the story different. That would make our celebration meaningful. Moreover, that would make our Christmas a life-giving. 

A CHRIST-FILLED CHRISTMAS TO ALL!