Mass Readings
Reading 1 – Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14,16
Psalm – Ps 88:2-5,27,29
Reading 2 – St Paul to Rom 16:25-27
Gospel – Luke 1:26-38
Gospel Reflection
Fr Martin Ashe, Parish Priest
So many of our plans have had to be put on hold these last several months. Now as Christmas approaches and restrictions have lessened we have begun to make some of our own plans again. We are more comfortable and in control of these kinds of plans. Yet, we are aware that there are many circumstances and events that take place which we have no control over. Some we are happy to be part of and some do not please us, cause us to be afraid and to suffer. The present pandemic is but one example of this. In all of this the gift of our faith can and does play a part in addressing all that happens to us. It is to recognise that God’s presence seeks to be with us and to guide us.
We see in the Gospel today an event taking place in the life of Mary that initially she has no control over. She is surprised by the dramatic event that takes place. God intervenes in her life through the Angel Gabriel. She is told of God’s saving plan for our world and God choosing her to be the mother of the Son of God. We see how she is perplexed by how this could take place through her. The Angel makes her aware that she would conceive her child through the presence of the Holy Spirit. In her freedom Mary is asked to respond. Mary’s relationship with God is such that she trusts in the Lord and the divine plan that she is called to be part of. She gives her life over to God humbly and simply saying ‘yes’ to being the mother of the Saviour.
In celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas, it is not only to call to mind this historical event it is also to recognise that each one of us is invited to be part of the joy of this event. Each one of us is called in the midst of the circumstances of our lives to play our part in the saving plan of God for our world. There is no situation that is outside of God’s desiring to be with us to guide us. No matter what is taking place, whether it’s part of our plan or not, it is to believe and trust that God also “speaks” to us. It is to believe that God seeks to give birth to his love and presence for our lives. Like Mary it is to say “yes” to what the Lord can be for us and what we can be for our world at this time.