ALLOW THE WORD OF GOD TO TAKE FLESH IN YOU

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Dear friend, today is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent, meaning that we are gradually coming to the end of our waiting period for the coming of the Messiah. Our hearts are filled with anticipation and joy as the world awaits the birth of the Savior.

The readings of today speak about God’s promise and its fulfilment. Already in the first reading, we witness King David’s desire to build a house for the Lord. However, God redirects David’s intentions, promising an everlasting kingdom through his descendants (2 Samuel 7:1-5). This promise is what is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who is a descendant of the tribe of David. One lesson we learn from this is that God’s plans often exceed our human expectations. David’s desire to build a physical house for God was transformed into the promise of an eternal kingdom, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the divine plan unfolding through history.

In the second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, Paul speaks of the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now disclosed through the prophetic writings. This mystery is the manifestation of Jesus Christ, the revelation of God’s plan for salvation (Romans 16:25-27). The Gospel reading draws our attention to the pivotal moment when this God’s plan for salvation, the promise made to David, was fulfilled. The Gospel narrates the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, announcing the conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Mary’s fiat, her “yes” to God’s plan, becomes the turning point in human history.

Like Mary, we too are being called into God’s service. As such, the gospel passage is an invitation for us to reflect on our own response to God’s call. In the midst of our busy lives, filled with uncertainties and challenges, the question posed to Mary echoes through the ages: “Will you say ‘yes’ to God’s invitation?” Mary’s fiat was not just a momentary agreement; it was a lifelong commitment to carrying out God’s will, regardless of the obstacles. May our hearts echo her words, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

To be able to respond adequately to God’s call like Mary, we too need to have the spirit of openness and surrender. Mary’s openness to God’s will exemplifies profound humility and trust. Her fiat signifies a surrender to the divine, allowing God to enter into human history in the most intimate way, through the Incarnation. Like Mary, we may be perplexed by God’s plans, questioning how our lives could be part of his divine design. But, just as God reassured her, he reassures us that nothing is impossible with him.

In this season of Advent, let us pause and ponder the depths of our hearts. Are we willing to be instruments of God’s love, allowing God to dwell in our lives and use us for his purpose? Mary’s ‘yes’ changed the course of history; our own ‘yes’ can transform our lives, the lives of those around us, and the society at large. As we await the birth of Christ, may we, like Mary, say “yes” to God’s presence in our lives, welcoming Emmanuel into the depths of our hearts.