Hey folks! This Sunday we move to week two of Advent!
Click here to read our introduction from last week.
This week we’ll be talking through the “arrival” of God to and in Mary the Mother of God in what has come to be called the “Annunciation.”
Here the good news of the gospel and Mary’s absolutely unique role in the redemption of the world is first “announced” to her. And crucially, though surely the announcement made no worldly sense (“but how will this be?”), she receives this news in faith (“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”).
In a very real sense, St. Mary is the first Christian, and her response to her selection as the “Ark” of the Body and Blood of the New Covenant is the paradigm for Christian faithfulness.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” is always the right posture for the Christian life, especially when things aren’t adding up. “May your word to me be fulfilled,” is a summary of the Christian hope for the future.
While it is possibly true that there are certain forms of Marian devotion that are excessive, some even their misuse ought not to dissuade us of her place of prominence in the “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us in life, death, and paradise.
Mary’s faithful reception of the promises of God shows us all the way to life.
Scripture to consider:
Luke 1:26-56
John 1:1-14
Hebrews 1:1-3
Questions for your kids
What might it mean that no word from God even fails?
Why do you think Mary went to go see Elizabeth so quickly?
Why do you think Gabriel told Mary not to be afraid?
Peace,
Danny+