Readings:

Isaiah 7:10 – 14
Luke 1: 26 – 38

Reflection:

There used to be a well-known book called “The God of Surprises”. I think the readings today illustrate that God is a God who is always Faithful to his People, yet he is a God who surprises us beyond all expectations. As we approach Christmas, we make our plans for our families, and we no doubt plan too for the year ahead.

No doubt Mary had her plans for her intended marriage with Joseph. Yet one day, Gabriel the angel turned up and made things very different. Both readings today show us a Move by God to Save his People – Ahaz is fearful and does not have faith. Mary listens and surrenders in humble faith.

God’s ways – sending a Son to redeem us was far beyond all expectations. We, too as we prepare for Christmas, are asked with Mary to dare to believe, to dare to wonder, to dare to hope.

As it is said: “Man proposes. God disposes.”  And God’s Way has made all the difference!

When things seem difficult, when we are worried or scared, even with our own mistakes thrown in, we are called to let God move in, to surrender our anxieties and fears, and to have faith in our Loving God. She loves to surprise us; She loves to save. 

Pat McIndoe CP, a Passionist at St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Boroko, Port Moresby