Homily: Fourth Thursday of Advent
Fourth Thursday of Advent (Luke 1:46-56) “When Mary Speaks, We Listen”
We have four places in the scriptures where Mary speaks. At the beginning of the Gospel of Luke (1:26ff) when the birth of Jesus is announced and she dialogues with the Angel Gabriel and says at the end of the conversation, “Let it be done be done to me as you say.” This speaks of Mary’s great trust in the Lord.
Another place where Mary speaks is in Luke 2:41. Mary questions Jesus about why he stayed in the temple rather than come home to Nazareth. Jesus reminds her that he must be in the Father’s house. Mary seems to accept Jesus’ answer. The story speaks of Mary’s ability to listen and understand.
Mary speaks once in the Gospel of John at the wedding feast in Cana. Before Jesus turns the water into wine Mary and Jesus have a conversation about the problem the bride and groom have as they run out of wine. At the end of exchange Mary instructs the servants to, “Do whatever he tells you to do.” Mary works with Jesus as he ministers, and she intercedes for those in need.
Finally, we have the canticle that she utters today. This canticle is used in the evening pray of the church. It is by far the longest speech that Mary gives in the Gospels. What does it say about Mary. It shows that she is very away of scripture. She repeats much of what Hannah says in the Old Testament when she finds out she will have a son named Samuel.
Mary has obviously studied her scriptures and she is able to put the puzzle together and understand what is happening. This is no ordinary birth, but it is one of the miraculous births in salvation history. God is raising up another person with a special purpose. Jesus was being born at a time when history will see a monumental shift.
The Advent of Jesus was long anticipated. The birth of Jesus changed the world. Mary’s words in her canticle reflect the fact that the Christian era has begun. When Mary speaks the world should listen.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have I ever thought about how little Mary says in the Bible? Despite that she is a revered by all people of faith. Why?
2. The beginning of Mary’s Canticle it says, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” What does that mean to me?
Dear Parishioners,
The new addition is coming along very well. This week the ceiling tiles were dropped in place. The cabinets have come for the Blessings Gift shop. The other cabinetry is in place for the holding kitchen and the bride’s room as well. Plastering is being done in the entry ways on the East side of the church, so things are moving along.
Soon we will be ordering the appliances for the holding kitchen. We are fortunate that those have been donated along with the furniture in the Bride’s room/lounge area. There will be new opportunities to donate tables and chairs. Watch our WEB page for details. So far, people have been very generous donating to our Centennial Campaign, so we have much to be grateful for.
May Our Lady of Peace Pray for us today,
Fr. Mark DeSutter