20 December 2013
Friday of the Third Week of Advent
The Annunciation is the Advent event. The Virgin Mary, better than anyone else, can help us prepare for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. By repeating prayerfully the words of Gabriel, we can ask her to be our guide.
After his salutation, Gabriel described the future role of the infant she was invited to conceive: “He shall reign over [his people] and his reign will be without end.” During these remaining days in Advent, let our prayer be that. Pray that at Christmas particularly his reign will include us, along with all the people throughout the world.
Mary hesitated, disconcerted by such a declaration. The angel responded by announcing to her more specifically God’s plan, namely “that the holy offspring to be born will be the Son of God.” At Christmas, as we say or sing the Gloria at Mass, we will join Gabriel and all of the angels and saints inn heaven, in repeating that announcement: “You alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ.”