Sunday, December 24, 2023
In today’s Old Testament reading from the second book of Samual we learn that King David wanted to build a suitable temple to house the Ark of the Covenant, a wooden chest covered with pure gold that contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod and a pot of manna. King David said: “Here I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent!” (2 Samuel 7:2). Seems like a reasonable and worthy proposition, however, God’s plan was for the Temple to be built during the reign of David’s son, King Solomon. Sometimes we spend so much time planning for events and things that don’t align with God’s will for us. We learn to trust in God and be attuned to his will.
When God is calling us, it is up to us to hear and accept His calling. In the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we read in Luke’s Gospel today that the Angel Gabriel presented God’s will to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, of the house of King David. This encounter was surely surprising and overwhelming to the young virgin but Mary did not focus on herself and her future plans but instead on God’s will and plan for her. “May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38), she said.
How can Mary, a young woman, deny herself and take on this enormous responsibility God is putting on her? St. Luke tells us that God’s Spirit will come upon Mary and His power would overshadow her. When we unconditionally surrender to God as Mary did, the Holy Spirit becomes our helper. St. Luke reminds us “for nothing will be impossible for God.” (Luke 1:37).
As we once again celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world and the salvation He brought us, can we avow total obedience to Him and rejoice in God’s will for us? Can we have the same spirit in us that was in Mary to trust God and say: May it be done to me according to Your word? If we are not focusing on and obeying God’s will for us, we miss opportunities He wishes for us.
So let us become true servants of the lord and accept His will and plans for our lives. Let us accept struggles we face and burdens placed upon us, and pray for the Holy Spirit to be our helper. In times when God’s plans seem mysterious to us, let us not yield to temptations of fear or despair but maintain our hope and joy in Jesus’ redemption and resurrection.
A Priest once said that Mary desired nothing more than what God desired for her. This is the secret to holiness, and happiness.
O come, O Bright and Morning Star, and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night, and turn our darkness into light.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.