20 December 2021
Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
One desire, two responses. God tells Ahaz that He will give any sign Ahaz asks for. Ahaz, in his false humility, declines God’s offer of a sign—conveniently allowing him to do what God was imploring him to avoid. Gabriel tells Mary that God wishes to do great things through her, making her the mother of the Son. Mary is confused (and not without reason), yet still says to Gabriel “behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” (Lk. 1:38). One desire to give a great gift, yet two very different responses.
At the end of this week, God will offer the greatest gift of all: His own Son, innocently inviting us to love Him. We can be like the great king Ahaz, whose small soul kept him from saying yes to God’s gift. Or we can be like the lowly handmaid Mary, whose generous spirit allowed God Himself to dwell within her. True humility requires great strength, as we recognize our needs and actively welcome God’s gifts. Be humble, be strong, and respond with generosity to the gifts God gives.