The birth of a new child in a family is always a moment full of joy and hope. But it is also, admittedly, a difficult moment. The mother goes through a trance that is not easy. The life that is born comes into the world in the midst of pain. The newborn is fragile, weak and demands the total attention of the parents. The joy of the birth will be fulfilled to the extent that the parents collaborate in the development of the child. That is why the expectation of birth is a time of hope but also of concern. Will everything go well?
“I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said” (v.38). It is Mary’s response to God’s call. Where God comes, there also joy always comes. The story begins with the “Rejoice,” and ends with the joyful cry of the Virgin. No one had understood God’s plan. David, Nathan, Solomon, the kings of Israel had not understood it. All had put their dreams in opposition to God and expected from him only the help to achieve them. Mary does not behave like them; she does not put her plan in opposition to God. She only asks what is the role God intends to entrust to her and joyously welcomes his initiative.
Mary is the protagonist of this last Sunday of Advent. The moment of Jesus’ birth is near. Mary undoubtedly lived this time in hope and in joy. Like every mother she would ask herself questions about the future of the child she was carrying in her womb. And she would not have all the answers. She could only trust the word of God she had received: what she carried in her womb was the work of the Spirit of God. Faith characterises Mary’s attitude. She lived in peace, trusting in the Lord. That is why she could go and visit her cousin to help her also at the time of her pregnancy.
Joyful hope in the faith must also characterise the life of the Church and of our Christian community. The presence of God is germinating in our world. This is an essential part of our faith. To prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas is to have an open heart to the newness that God can bring into our lives at any time. Because God continues to be born in our world. God continues to be present among us. Sometimes in the most unusual ways, but always, for sure, among his favourites, the poorest, the simplest, those who have nothing. Blessed are we if we are able to discover that mysterious presence of God near us! Then we will be ready to celebrate Christmas.
For your reflection
When we observe our society, are we able to discover that imminent presence of God in it? Do we celebrate with joy the signs of salvation and life that we discover in our world?
Father Fernando Torres CMF
www.ciudadredonda.org
Translated by Father Alberto Rossa CMF
