Lessons from the Liturgy: December 19, 2008
This coming Sunday marks the Fourth Sunday in Advent, the final Sunday Liturgy before the celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord (otherwise known as Christmas). During the celebration, worshipers will hear the Gospel narrative of Gabriel's Annunciation unto Mary (also known as the Incarnation). There is no doubt that such an incredible event deserves to be at the apex of our anticipation, and the Gospel passage chosen for such a celebration is appropriate.
[Fra Angelico, "The Annunciation"]
Despite the importance of Mary's "yes" to God's messenger, there is another deep lesson to be gained from this particular liturgical celebration. In fact, the other lesson to be learned this week is much more foundational: God's preparatory work in the Old Covenant. Without such knowledge, we could not fully understand Mary's "yes;" nor could we be ready to make our own affirmative replies to the Holy One.
This lesson is found almost wholly within the First Reading and the Responsorial Psalm, which sometimes go unheard by those assembled and unconsidered by the homilists. Alas, there is plenty to consider and (hopefully) plenty of time for people to read the reflections below.
In the reading from the book of the prophet Samuel, King David remarked that he lived in a house of cedar "while the ark of God dwells in a tent" (2 Sam. 7:2) Obviously, he meant that God's own dwelling was less than fitting than his own; he thought that he should provide something greater. The ensuing statement from God, however, revealed that His understanding of a house was different than the king's.
Instead of allowing David to build a temple, God made a huge promise to him. He intended to "fix a place for my people Israel" and to "establish a house" for David; to "raise up your heir" and to "make his kingdom firm;" to allow David's house and kingdom to "endure forever before me" (2 Sam. 7:10-13). Without a doubt, God's statement in that moment was one of love for His chosen people and great prophecy for the future!
As he aged in wisdom and grace, King David composed songs to the Lord, Who was his Rock. One such psalm praised the Lord for His great promises, and for His undying fidelity. The psalmist cried out, "The promises of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness." He went on to mention the promise from 2 Samuel: "forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations" (Ps. 89:2, 5). Surely, David wanted his progeny, the great kingdom "sprung from your loins," to know what the Lord had done for them; and what He still intended to do.
Thus, we can enter into the magnanimity of the Annunciation; we can stand in awe with Mary that God's revelation is being completed in our midst, even within our very selves. God chose to make His own Son the culmination of David's great ancestry. God chose a human being, a woman who was "full of grace" (Lk. 1:26) to be His most perfect and honored dwelling. God revealed that "of this kingdom there will be no end." Only when the prophecy is fully understood, can its fulfillment be appreciated as it deserves.
Pray that God's prophecies in the Old Covenant will be understood and appreciated as they deserve by those who claim to be His followers. Pray that His Divine Revelation will continue to dwell always in our minds and hearts.
