Fourth Sunday of Advent
When I was a young child, I had certain fears, things that I was afraid of. Like many children, one of those fears was a fear of the dark. I can remember being afraid to go to sleep at night in a dark room and then on top of that having to close my eyes. I remember calling out to my parents, particularly my mom and asking her to sit with me.
My mom would come into the room and assure me that there was nothing to fear. I would explain to my mom why I was afraid, and she would respond to each of my concerns with a reasonable answer that would comfort me. However, most comforting was just her presence in my room sitting beside me on my bed and telling me that I did not need to be afraid, she was there. Her presence and her answers to my questions moved me from fear to trust, so much so that I was eventually able to fall asleep and eventually did not need her in my room each night.
When I read this Sunday’s Gospel, I am reminded of that period of time when I was younger and can relate to Mary’s fear and questions of the angel Gabriel. The response she receives from Gabriel brings her from fear to complete trust.
Her personal relationship with God gives her the courage to ask the hard questions, and she is told “Do not be afraid”. Mary sees through the eyes of faith and says yes to God. She understands that she is not alone, and she accepts God’s very life within her.
What does this mean for you and me? Just like that young fearful child who was afraid of the dark, we need to ask God the hard questions and to trust that He is always with us, to “be not afraid”. We are asked to receive Jesus the way Mary did. The invitation from our God is given to us, the invitation to have Him be a part of our lives every moment of every day! What is our response?
Mary is the perfect example for each of us in how to respond to that invitation. She doesn’t say “I am not ready right now, ask me again later”; her YES is complete and total. Her yes is a life changing yes and one that brings new life and great joy. Our YES will do the same in our lives.
As we enter this last week of Advent and approach Christmas a good question for ourselves to reflect on would be “How am I open to God’s life within me?” “What is my response to God’s invitation?” Ask Mary for her intercession and that your hearts be wide open to all that our God wants to give you and the power of His love in your lives!
