Gospel Reflections for December 21, 2014
Think of all the impressive names we give to God; …All Powerful …All-Knowing …Almighty, and of course …God of the Universe.” That is an impressive list, and yet this immense power of God came to a crashing halt before a teenage girl in Galilee named Mary.
God sends the Angel Gabriel to announce His plan for salvation for all humankind to Mary, a young woman in the small town of Nazareth. The Angel asks Mary to cooperate, but she does not say, “Yes.” …instead, she asks a question!
She had already taken a vow to God to remain a virgin and so was naturally puzzled as to how God would now ask her to go against the very vow she had already made to Him. She asks in effect, “How can I have a child since I already made a vow to you to not ever be with a man?”
What is remarkable is that the Angel does not chastise Mary for asking her question. Instead, we can imagine the Angel turning to God and saying. “What do I do now? Mary is asking a question!” We can then imagine God saying, “Well, answer Mary’s question, for I cannot continue with my plan unless she understands and freely accepts. I want to show my love for these people and my love can only happen for them when they are free.” Love requires freedom.
The Angel patiently explains how Jesus will be born of the Holy Spirit. Once she understands, Mary instantly agrees.
This passage affirms that God respects our freedom to sincerely choose for ourselves, and He respects our intelligence that we must understand what is being asked of us. He will never impose Himself on us. He will patiently wait until we are ready to accept. God affirms religious freedom!
If you have ever had a question about our faith or about how God acts in your life, well, you can do so with His fullest blessing. You are in good company with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Asking questions is a very noble human event.
You might know that I am the son of a scientist. I grew up questioning everything, which is the basic activity of all scientists, whose goal is to arrive at answers. I am still the same today, and credit that habit of questioning and finding answers with the deep faith that I have now. I am grateful that the many times that I asked questions there were people around who could respond intelligently. My faith is so much deeper because of it.
Our University Series is set to begin this coming season of Lent. Mark your calendars now to set aside time to attend sessions and ask your questions.
There is much to question right now; Islamic terrorism against children, relations with Cuba, presidential politics, etc. Keep questioning and seeking answers. God likes to see us use our mind well.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Image: Public domain work of art.
Hi Father Dave,
I love reading about the Annunciation, and Mary voicing her concern; yet, why did Zechariah become mute for questioning Angel Gabriel when she appeared to announce that Elizabeth will bear a son? I ask God many questions, so I was surprised that Zechariah got into trouble for doing that. Your comment?
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Jeanie Merrifield
Hello! Mary questioned how she could keep the vow she had already made to God to be a virgin. She wondered how cGod could ask her to break a vow that she had made to Him! Zachariah question the competence or ability of God to do something. That is a completely different question! Merry Christmas!
Do you think in that moment Mary perceived that by saying yes to the All Powerful, All Knowing, Almighty God of the Universe she herself would become Queen of the Universe, Queen of Heaven, Queen of All Saints, Queen of Peace, etc.?
Interesting question. I am inclined to think not. In fact, I am not sure she knew what it really meant to be the Mother of Our Lord either. Once the question about her vow was answered, that was enough for her to simply fully accept God’s invitation “as the handmaiden of the Lord” or in other words with full obedience to whatever would come her way. Even the rather direct prediction that “A sword shall pierce your heart” or the perilous escape and flight into Egypt, did not turn her away from her promise to fully follow God’s plan. I just bought a book on the Assumption of Mary and look forward to reading it soon. I want to learn more about the end of her time on earth and perhaps discover what she might have known and what she did not. Merry Christmas!
Dear Father Dave,
We have such a beautiful, amazing Faith of Love!! God creates us. Man sins!! God chooses our beautiful Mary to become the mother of His Son!! Mary accepts and our salvation begins!!!!! And we are only asked to live Jesus’ love!!!Sooooooooooooooobeautiful!!! I am soooooooooooooooohappy to have been born a Catholic!!! It’s a beautiful; life of love!!!!Thank you for bringing Jesus to us!!! Have a precious Christmas filled with our Jesus and our Mary’s Divine, sweet Love!!!! Dick and my love of our Jesus and our Mary has brought us the gift of you!!!!
Love, Franca
Thank you!
My thoughts about this profound gospel account always go to how Mary relates to girls/women is a number of ways. Of course she is the go-to model for all consecrated virgins (nuns). Add to that a role model for mothers. Also pregnant women. How about a model for young women who are pregnant but unmarried – a terrible situation in Mary’s society and also one that remains so today. She is the supreme model for the pro-life movement. How about a model for newly married woman who wonder what their life will bring.
Most of all she is there for mothers who worry and grieve about children who have lost their faith or are living life dangerously. Didn’t she worry about Jesus when he was lost? And wasn’t she there at the foot of the cross – quite a different vision that we have this week about her with baby Jesus.
Well said. She is the model for sol many people, especially in the circumstances you describe. Merry Christmas!
Hi father Dave, my family and I wish you a very merry Christmas and a very happy and fulfilling 2015.
Father Dave we miss your inspirational homilies so much, this season being one example, but we remain just like virgin Mary, obedient to our call to our ministry and do our best.in our parish. . .
Thanks for your message. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
I always think of the site of the annunciation in the Holyland when I hear that passage! Like all the other important sites there, it’s always an overwhelming feeling to physically be in places where our Blessed Mother and Jesus were. It’s like going back in a time capsule!
re University Series – SO looking froward to hearing great speakers again!
Blessings, Patty Berry
The University Series Catalog is at the printer now, and will be delivered on January 6th. You should receive it at Mass the following weekend. Enjoy!
Of course Father Dave I am going to get emotional. Our parish has changed drastically and a lot of people are dissatisfied with everything that is going on.
I, especially miss you and your willingness to talk to me when I asked an intelligent question or a stupid one, but you were always there for me.
I also miss your beautiful homilies that you brought out the good in the Gospel, rather than chastising everyone
Bottom line we miss you so much and I had a dream the other night that you would come back to your home one day!
Merry Christmas and have a Blessed and Happy New Year
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to respond to your gospel readings as they are always so informative.
Respectfully and Love
Verna
You are welcome!