HOMILY OF SATURDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK IN LENT
SOLEMNITY OF ANNUNCIATION
Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38
THEME: DIVINE REVELATION
There were personalities in the Holy Bible whose birth were announced before they were born. These were Isaac Gen 18;10-1, Samson, Judges 13:3-5, Samuel, 1samuel 1:20, John the Baptist, Luke 1:13-17.
However, the announcement of Jesus birth which we celebrate today stands out to be the peak of divine revelation (Luke 1:26-38). Human search for meaning ends with Jesus, for he is the truth that sets us free. Through him, the love and grace of God is communicated to us. This was confirmed by the message of the angel to Mary,
“Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.”
The message of the annunciation emphasized the divinity of Jesus Christ by the highlight of the role of the Holy Spirit in his conception. This also projected the doctrine of the virgin birth, thereby establishing Joseph as a foster father of Jesus.
Moreover, God respects our freewill. He always announces his mission to us either as an individual or as a nation. He needs our cooperation in the fulfillment of his plans. He does not work with unwilling or reluctant servants. Mary freely accepted to be the mother of the Saviour, thereby submitting herself to be used as a channel of grace. Likewise, anytime we say yes to God’s call, we open ourselves to him as instrument of his special love for humankind.
Although no other revelation can surpass the divine revelation of God in human history, God continues to communicate his plans to us every now and then. Just like Mary, let us pray always to be worthy of God’s promises. Let us strive to discern God’s will in our lives and equally pray his will be done. Amen.
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