19
Dec
Dec
Reflection: Luke 1:26-38
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 new-born is fragile, weak and demands the total attention of the parents. The joy of the birth will depend also on how far the parents desire for the child. That is why the expectation of birth is a time of hope but also of concern. Will everything go well? But Mary overcomes her anxieties through faith. “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said” (v. 38). She had no doubts in this regard. No one had understood God’s plan. David, Nathan, Solomon, the kings of Israel had not understood it. All of them had put their dreams in opposition to God and expected God to help them to achieve their dreams. But, Mary does not behave like them; she does not put her personal plans before God. She only wants to know what is her role that God intends to entrust to her and she joyously welcomes his initiative. 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. What does Mary teach us today? 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. Well, we do listen to lots of commentaries on the Gospel passage. Why not keep this question with you for today: am I able to discover that imminent presence of God in my family and in the society? Do I celebrate with joy the signs of God’s presence and life that I come across?