Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year B)

THE ANNUNCIATION (Lk 1:26-38)

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth
Sixth month. 6th month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.
Gabriel. He was sent first to Zechariah and now to Mary.

To a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.
Virgin. Girl who has reached the age for marriage
Betrothed. Engaged. In the Jewish custom, an engaged couple was already considered married, but they would live together only after a year.
David. Through Joseph, Jesus would be of the house of David. This would fulfill the promise that the Messiah would come from David’s line.

And coming to her, he (Gabriel) said,“Hail, full of grace!”
Hail. Also translated a rejoice. Indeed, there is reason for rejoicing because the promise of the Messiah would finally be fulfilled.
Full of grace. Or Favored One. Mary’s new name is “Favored One”.

But she was greatly troubled.
Mary could not understand why and how she was so favored by God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
Jesus means Yahweh saves or Yahweh is my salvation.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age.
The pregnancy of Elizabeth is proof that the message of the angel was true.

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
With humility Mary accepted the invitation of God. She knew that her Son would be God but she probably did not understand that fully. Hence, her acceptance (fiat) was an act of faith.

REFLECTION

Mary carried Jesus in her womb nine months. It is a unique grace and privilege. But to all of us, God can give the grace of carrying Jesus in our hearts, in our minds, in our eyes, in our ears and in our hands.

• Jesus in my heart. The grace of truly loving Jesus.
• Jesus in my mind. The grace of not forgetting Jesus.
• Jesus in my eyes. The grace of getting to know Jesus and of imitating his example.
• Jesus in my ears. The grace of listening to the teachings of Jesus in order to live them.
• Jesus in my hands. The grace of serving Jesus, of doing what Jesus wants and of doing all for Jesus.