4th Sunday of Advent (December 24, 2023)

2 Sam 7.1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Rom 16.25-27; Lk 1.26-38

  • 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 ...

e-Notes, AdventPriests For Life CanadaMary, grace