2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38
Mary is the star of this fourth week of the Advent season. As Christian faith communities prepare in anticipation of the Christ savior, the annunciation to the very young mother of our Lord inspires us today to feel like favored ones too! However, this favor is not a hall pass to enjoy the fruits of our labor by making some hot chocolate and sit by the fireplace or to put on the sandals and enjoy a glass of sweet tea by the poolside. It is quite the opposite! Finding favor with God means to be sent to do what seems unbearable. It can be terrifying. Nonetheless, nothing is impossible with God. The prophetic voice of Nathan in 2 Samuel tells us that, with God, king David had come from the pasture, and with God, a great house was made. It is a promise which Mary recalls and sings! A promise carried from generation to generation. The Community of Saints finds hope in such promise, which for us is the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ by every believer. There, says Paul to the church in Rome, we will find the strength to bear the mission we share.
Bridging Faith 