“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:26-28)

Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The major theme of today’s readings focuses on the annunciation of archangel Gabriel to Virgin Mary and the circumstances leading up to the first coming of Jesus Christ, the event which sets the pattern for His coming to us now and at the end of time.

The angel's salutation to Mary, “Hail, full of grace,” reminds us of God's words to Moses at the burning bush, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12), the angel’s salutation Gideon, "The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12) and the Lord's assurance to Jeremiah, "Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee" (Jeremiah 1:8).

Virgin Mary works through many difficulties in her life. Despite confusion and without fully comprehending all the ramifications, she remains committed in faith. She is a model disciple (i.e. as one who hears the Word of God and makes a conscious decision to live accordingly).

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to BELIEVE like Virgin Mary did and be transformed into God’s love to fulfill God’s will and obtain our salvation.

How can we help each other be courageous, generous, humble and obedient to say “yes” to God like Virgin Mary did, loving Him to fulfill His will in our lives?

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.