Brian Smith	Mon, Dec 21, 5:03 PM (15 hours ago)
to me

Fourth Sunday of Advent * Gospel Reflection
         “Mary’s Nazareth”: Luke 1:26-36

Today on this 4th Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Mary’s Annunciation and Fiat when God sends Gabriel to announce to Mary that she is chosen by God, and with her consent, to bring the Christ child into the world. Along with this mystery so pivotal to salvation history, is the place where Gabriel is sent: Nazareth. The mention of this town may remind you of that skeptical question arising from Nathanael: “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Of course, in that passage, Phillip invites Nathanael to go beyond his reasoning when he says “come and see” (this Jesus). This Nazareth where Mary comes from is a rather secluded and scarcely populated area, not having much pomp or recognition in the eyes of the Jewish populace.

Our Blessed Mother (who in this Annunciation, is told she is highly favored and full of Grace) is found in obscurity and unsuspecting circumstances. Not only is Mary found in Nazareth, but she is found in the troubling and seemingly impossible situation of miraculously bearing the Son of God. Her initial — and very understandable response—is ”how can this be?  We too, ask the same kinds of questions, do we not?: “how, God, can you see me through this predicament I’m in...or the church is in...or my loved ones are in? ”

Mary, however, is promised that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and that the power of the Most high will over shadow her. The same Holy Spirit that comes upon Mary can address the cry of our heart and address our needs. We know that Mary is preserved by God’s grace ahead of time, to birth God himself in the flesh; we also know that, although God does not perfectly preserve us from sin and our many mistakes, we can look to her to impart the Grace of her Son in our lowly and fallen lives and give us power to be the Lord’s vessels.

We still might be thinking, “how could I, in my undeserving predicament —my Nazareth— be worthy for God and his plan in my life?” But, remember what the angel Gabriel told Mary, “The Lord is with you”

In a somewhat similar way during the Mass, we hear the priest say “The Lord be with you”. This is more than a mere greeting or pleasantry said by Fr.; it is a pronouncement and invocation of the Lord — to truly be with us and attend us where we are. Although this Annunciation given to Mary reveals a unique protective Grace provided her, we find instances in Scripture where God called (in their own estimation) the most unqualified people to serve his purposes. 

Moses, after making many mistakes - including killing an Egyptian - did not seem qualified to serve as God’s deliver for the people in bondage. After many years of living in hiding and isolation, God encountered Moses in the burning Bush, preparing him to fulfill God’s mission, saying, “I will be with you”.

Joshua, after being called to lead Israel across the formidable Jordan into the promised land, with many obstacles ahead, was told, “I will be with you”.
Gideon, after telling God that he was from the weakest family clan and could not defeat the oppressing army of Midian, was told, “Go in this your strength and deliver Israel”. 

The background, setting, and in someways a certain obscurity, relating to these Biblical characters, reminds us of Mary’s Nazareth. Mary’s crucial Fiat, however, helped make all the difference in the world: “May it be done to me according to your word.”. This response of the Blessed Mother indicates to us that she was the first disciple (one who is willing to learn and follow God’s way). Mary also demonstrates this by revealing the good news to to her cousin Elisabeth.

In conclusion, despite our backgrounds, failures, and inadequacies—despite our Nazareth’s — we can look to Mary as our model of faith, perseverance, and humble obedience to God’s call upon our lives. 

Quoting from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2677): “Because she gives us Jesus, her son, Mary is Mother of God and our mother; we can entrust all our cares and petitions to her: she prays for us as she prayed for herself: "Let it be to me according to your word." By entrusting ourselves to her prayer, we abandon ourselves to the will of God together with her: "Thy will be done.”