4th Sunday of Advent (December 20, 2020)

Often in TV shows or movies, a young lady reacts to her pregnancy as a “surprise” or an “accident,” making most viewers wonder whether this character understands the consequences of having consensual sexual intercourse.
In today’s Gospel, Our Lady too is “perplexed” by the Angel’s greeting and his announcement that she will bear a child. But unlike those characters, Mary has good reason, asking, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
Without understanding all that will flow from it, Our Lady speaks her “yes” in a bold and stunning declaration, (though probably not void of fear) that clearly understands that obedience is what it means to be God’s “servant.”
If we know of someone who has an “unplanned” pregnancy, let us allay their fears with the example of Mother Mary and the Angel’s comforting reassurances: “Do not be afraid!”
When King David wishes to build a house for God, God replies, “Should you build me a house to dwell in?” At the annunciation we see that for a house God chose the womb of Mother Mary. A mother’s womb after all is a safe haven for her children, the most perfect house. We should not allow any child to come under attack in its first, most precious home.
Pro-Life Intercession: That all who are pregnant and afraid may welcome the life within them, and draw strength from the angel Gabriel’s words to Mary: Do not fear, we pray to the Lord...