By Sharon Piuse A, CSC –
Readings: Is 7:10-14, 8-10; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
The first reading tells about the coming of Emmanuel. We can see the continuation in the Gospel. Whatever was foretold in the first reading is being fulfilled in the gospel. When we look into the gospel reading, we can see the trust which Mary had.
When we look into our own lives, this trust is tested many times and in many ways. We need to ask ourselves, ‘do I have the courage and willingness that Mary had?’ Mary says, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to thy word.” Because of our sinful life, we do not have the courage to say it like Mary.
The first reading also tells us that God is with us. Although we are of God, we forget God is with us. Sometimes God tests our trust like in the book of Genesis. We can see that Abraham is being tested by God. God tested Abraham by telling him to offer his only son Isaac to God as a burnt offering. Abraham believed and had full trust and faith in God. Therefore, he tried to offer his son Isaac to God and God was pleased with him. When difficulty comes in our life, we question God, ‘are you listening to me?’ ‘are you there for me?’, etc. Therefore, all the readings of today invite us to remember God is with us always and everywhere.