💖 HOMILY - DECEMBER 20 💖

First Reading - Isaiah 7:10-14

Gospel - Luke 1:26-38

God is indeed Immanuel—God-with-us—walking alongside us in our life’s journey. The readings today gently remind us of the need for humility and faith to recognize and embrace God’s presence in our lives. They call us to trust His plans, even when they seem beyond our understanding.

The first reading brings us to the time of King Ahaz, a ruler caught in fear and indecision amidst looming threats. Through the prophet Isaiah, God promises Ahaz a sign of His presence—a child called Emmanuel. While Ahaz resists trusting in the Lord, the prophecy endures, ultimately finding its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The name Emmanuel signifies more than God’s presence; it is a promise that He is actively involved in human history, transforming fear into faith and uncertainty into assurance.

In the Gospel, we hear the Annunciation—a pivotal moment in salvation history. Mary, a young woman of deep faith, is greeted by the angel Gabriel with the extraordinary message that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. Her humble question, “How can this be?” reflects not doubt but a desire to understand. Gabriel’s response, “For nothing will be impossible with God,” serves as a powerful reminder of God’s limitless power and grace. Mary’s ultimate response, “Let it be done to me according to your word,” exemplifies complete trust and humility.

Dear friends, these readings challenge us to examine our own faith. Do we trust God in moments of uncertainty, as Mary did? Or do we resist, like Ahaz, fearing to surrender our plans to God’s will? Mary’s fiat—her “yes” to God—teaches us that humility and faith unlock the door to God’s transformative work in our lives. 

But Mary’s role doesn’t end there. As the bearer of Christ, she becomes the first missionary, bringing God into the world. This is our calling too. Like Mary, we are invited to carry Christ within us, sharing His love, mercy, and forgiveness with those around us. Every act of kindness, every gesture of compassion, every moment of service becomes an opportunity to make God’s presence known in the world.

St. Ambrose beautifully reflects this mission, urging us to let Mary’s soul and spirit live within us, magnifying the Lord in all we do. This means living lives of faith, humility, and hope, trusting in God’s promises and cooperating with His plans.

Practically, we can deepen our connection to these mysteries by embracing traditions such as the daily recitation of the Angelus or meditating on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. These practices not only honor Mary’s role but also draw us closer to Christ, helping us to recognize His presence in our daily lives.

As we approach Christmas, let us follow Mary’s example of faith and humility. May we carry Christ within us and bring His light to others, embodying the message of Emmanuel: God is truly with us.