Fr Xavier Writes 24th December 2023
For all of us, Mother is so special and the relationship we share is based on a bond of mutual love. On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, it should come as no surprise that Mary is at the centre of the Gospel today, where we are given an account of the greatest message: that there was a young maiden and, in the freedom of her heart, she gave the total gift of herself to God, saying “Be it done unto me according to thy Word”.
In announcing through Gabriel, God revealed the mystery that he kept secret for ages. His love for us is so great that he wants to become one of us. In this plan, Mary was needed by God to be the mother of Christ. The moment she said ‘yes’, salvation dawned for all and she brought the salvation to birth at Bethlehem on the first Christmas Day. She had to say the same ‘yes’ very many times during her life, which wasn’t easy for her to do because every door was closed in her face.
Christmas is almost upon us and, on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, our thoughts turn to Mary, our Mother, who is the model of listening and waiting for the Lord to come. She could only gradually understand the meaning of her ‘yes’ and the mystery of Christmas. In listening, she is showing us the aspect of our Christian life which is of special importance. Yes, to be Christians is to be persons who keep their ears open to what God is calling them to do. We can today ask her to help us have her attitude of listening and responding to God’s call that we bring Christ into our world as she did.
She is so special today because she brought Christ to birth in the stable and she wants to bring him to birth in our hearts. God did not keep Mary out of Christmas – neither must we. This is the spirit of Catholicism.
Wish you each and every one A Merry and Happy Christmas. Thanks so much to all those giving me a Card of Greeting and lots of Presents.
God bless you and your Family.
