Note: As you continue to enter into these meditations, notice that more focus will be given to the Scripture itself. Recall that the approach taken in the first week was more the use of “meditation,” meaning, more rational pondering. As you now enter deeper into the Scripture, the method of “contemplation” should be used. This means seeing, feeling, experiencing and being present to the scene so as to savor and encounter God in the Scripture. Little by little, the reflections in this book will rely less upon the written reflection and more on your pondering of the Scripture text.
Context: In order for the Most Holy Trinity, the Three Divine Persons, to become united with humanity and, more specifically, with you, these Divine Beings chose a willing partner through which the Son would become human. This partner was the Ever Virgin and Immaculate Mother Mary, the Mother of God.
The Blessed Virgin Mary was fully human but was created with the perfection of human nature, just as Adam and Eve were created in a state of original innocence, so our Blessed Mother was preserved from the stain of Original Sin. Adam and Eve sinned; the Blessed Mother did not. Thus, she was to become the new Eve and the new Mother of all the Living.
The central goal of this meditation is to enter into the great mystery of the moment that God the Son entered Mary’s Immaculate womb and became one of us. The Archangel Gabriel came to Mary and invited her full cooperation with the plan of God. This Archangel, who beheld the Face of the Most Holy Trinity, came to Mary with wonderment and awe. The Archangel was privileged above all angelic creatures, being entrusted with the mission of gaining the perfect consent of the Mother of the Son of God. The Archangel announced the good news, Mother Mary gave full assent, and God became human within her womb.
As you read the Scripture below, try to imagine the very instant that God the Son took upon Himself our human nature within the womb of this Immaculate daughter of God. In that instant, all of creation was changed. God and His creation were now one. Suddenly, even before you were conceived, your human dignity was raised above the angels. This incredible mystery cannot be “figured out,” it must be received. Listen, ponder and receive the mystery of the Incarnation.
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26–38 (RSV-CE)
Reflection: Read this passage prayerfully. Put yourself into the scene. Stop and savor any word that strikes you as you enter this beautiful mystery of our faith:
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” (Silent Reflection)
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Silent Reflection)
“How can this be, since I have no husband?” (Silent Reflection)
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. (Silent Reflection)
And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Silent Reflection)
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Silent Reflection)
Introduction to Meditations for Advent
- A New King
- Christ the King
- Total Surrender
- The Need for a Savior
- The Fiat of the Mother of God
- The Visitation of the Mother and the Son of God
Featured Image: The Annunciation by Paolo de Matteis
