THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

IV SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Luke 1:26-38

In the Advent season, through the biblical readings chosen for us by the Church, we are called to have a good look at these important figures: Isaiah, John the Baptist, Joseph and Mary. The prophet Isaiah presents the great promises of God - the promise of salvation which is to be fulfilled by the Messiah, who comes as the prince of peace. The words of Isaiah fill us with hope directing our gaze towards the future and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. John the Baptist invites us to abandon the easy life revolving around ourselves and move to the desert where confronted by God, we have to look at ourselves and accept our fragility and sinfulness. John came to initiate a renewal movement, calling on people to repent and convert, thus preparing themselves for the coming of the Messiah. John put his whole life at the service of the Messiah, giving witness to him with his word and his life. Besides Isaiah and John the Baptist, we are invited to look at Joseph the carpenter who had betrothed Mary of Nazareth. It may seem that he is not important and he appears and goes like a dim flash. Despite his silence, he is always present and, in the most difficult moments, he takes responsibility for the protection both of Jesus and Mary. They could lean upon him and in him find refuge. He was a faithful and reliable man. 

Finally, on this last Sunday of Advent, we are called to look at Mary, the virgin from Nazareth. She was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah, the mother of the Lord, as Elisabeth recognised. Being the chosen of God, she was filled with blessings, being indeed “the favoured one” (Lk 1:28): Despite that, she needed the angel to explain God’s plan and will for her, which would make her part of the plan of salvation. Through her, the Saviour of the world would come forth. Knowing God’s will, she accepted it and committed herself to obediently fulfil it. Her attitude is the attitude demanded of every disciple of Jesus Christ: I am the servant of the Lord. I am at his disposal, ready to do whatever he demands of me. May we learn with Mary to accept God’s will and dedicate our lives to carrying it out.