December 20 2021 - An Advent Paradox

We hear the annunciation story three or four times throughout Advent each year: once on the Immaculate Conception, again on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, depending on the year we might hear it on the 4th Sunday of Advent, and now, in late Advent every year on December 20th. 

The Church celebrated the feast of the Annunciation nine months ago; nine months, the term of a pregnancy. That Holy pregnancy is coming to term in just five days.

Many times throughout Advent we hear in our first reading a prophecy of the Messiah, and then in the Gospel, we hear how that prophecy is fulfilled. Well, today our first reading contained one of the greatest well-known prophecies, that the virgin shall conceive and bear a son. 

How could this be? This paradox. For a virgin to conceive, she wouldn’t be a virgin any more, right? Well…in our Gospel this paradox is unlocked, the mystery is illuminated. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the virgin of Nazareth conceives, and not just any child, but one whose human nature is hypostatically united to his divine nature—so that he can truly be called Emmanuel, which means God-with-us. God in the flesh—God in the midst of mankind—God making his dwelling among us. And his first dwelling, is the most pure virgin womb.

As we approach Christmas, on one hand, we have this powerful reminder of God’s activity. Apart from God’s action, the miraculous conception could not have occurred. God initiated this encounter, he intervened in history to bring about our salvation. God desires our salvation. He works for our salvation. He arranges the events of history to bring about our salvation. He enters into this harsh reality and will suffer for our salvation.

On the other hand, we have the virgin’s beautiful response to God’s invitation. She submits—she trustingly puts her life in the hands of God—I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to thy word. God is at work for our salvation, but he calls us to cooperate with Him, to trust Him.

We contemplate God’s marvelous action, his love, his ability to do what previously seemed impossible, and we contemplate the virgin’s response, her trust, her humility.

Return to these scripture readings sometime today. Enter into the quiet and drink deeply of these power scriptures, the working of God and the cooperation of the Virgin. When you do, no doubt, something will be unlocked in your heart, for the glory of God and salvation of souls. 

  We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.

That the witness of the Church may help all nations come to believe in the Lordship of Jesus.

That our president and all civil servants will carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for the dignity of every human life.  

That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, ward off every affliction, and strengthen all who suffer persecution for the sake of the Gospel.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.