4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B

2 Samuel 7:1-5.8-12.14.16
Psalm 88:2-5.27.29
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

The Uncovering of the Hidden Secret

The readings of this last Sunday of Advent speak of the fulfilment of God's promise to mankind. The hidden secret  has been revealed. God is going to take a human flesh of a woman, a Virgin from Nazareth.

In the first reading, king David wanted to build a tent for God. But God promised to build him a house, to establish for him an everlasting kingdom of peace and prosperity (2Sam. 7:1-5.8-12.14.16).

This promise made to king David finds its fulfillment in the Annunciation story. Per the announcement of the angel, Mary was to become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. And it was the Holy Spirit that would fecundate her virginal womb. The throne of his ancestor David would be given him.

Full of grace but also perplexed, Mary had a choice to make: to say “yes” or “no”. This choice could not be an easy one. She was very young, a virgin and had her own plans: to get married. But courageously, she said “yes” to God. She trusted God, with whom nothing is impossible. In saying “yes”, her trusting faith changed our story. With this “yes”, God became one of us. Here belies the greatness of Mary: by her “yes”, she became the Mother of God’s own Son (Luke 1:26-38).

Therefore, by Mary’s “yes” to God, the mystery kept secret for ages was revealed to us. God’s plan of our salvation became realized. This is the mystery that St Paul proclaims in the second reading (Rom. 16:25-27).

It could be observed that king David and the Virgin Mary had their own plans. But God had bigger plans for their lives. Thus, they allowed the will of God to be done. May we too learn to avail ourselves to God's will. Let each of us say a free, unconditional and courageous 'Yes' to God even if we must sacrifice our own plans.

Amen