In this final stretch of Advent, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior, our readings today invite us to ponder and reflect with our Blessed Mother. We have spoken in our last few homilies on the fruit of the Holy Spirit which gives us an abiding peace – joy. Today we reflect deeply on what true joy is and how it is intricately linked to humility in the presence of God.
Let us first turn to the prophet Micah, who reminds us of the humble origins of God's plan for salvation. Micah prophesies that from Bethlehem, a town deemed too small to be significant among the clans of Judah, the one who will be the ruler of Israel will come forth. This is a radical notion—God, in His wisdom, chooses to bring forth the Messiah from what the world considers insignificant. Bethlehem, the dwelling place of King David, was overlooked, much like many of us who feel small and unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Yet, from this humble town emerged not just a king, but the King of Kings.
David himself was a shepherd from Bethlehem, and God promised that his lineage would never fail. In Jesus, born to Mary and Joseph both tied to David's line, we encounter the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy. God had a plan that surpassed human expectations and perceptions. And that plan was borne out of love; God so loved the world that He sent His Son into the most unlikely of circumstances. Here we find a profound source of true joy, rooted not in pride or ambition, but in humility and acceptance of God's divine will.
In the letter to the Hebrews, we hear Christ's own words reflecting this humility: “Behold, I come to do your will, O God.” Jesus did not come to establish a kingdom of power or wealth, but rather to offer Himself in the humble act of obedience to God's will so that the loving presence of the Triune God may take root in our hearts and transform our lives. As he would later point out to us—the kingdom of God, is within. This is a direct challenge to our human tendency to seek joy in our accomplishments, possessions, or status. True joy, as we see in Christ, is found in surrender—surrender to God's plan, to His desires for us. He is always our model. We must love what he loved (doing the will of the Father) and detest what he detested (sinful substitutes for God, like the love of money and wealth, and extreme forms of self-honouring, pleasure and power) if we wish to be permeated with that enduring joy which animated the entire life of our Lord.
Let us now reflect on the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth in the Gospel. Mary, upon receiving the news of her divine motherhood, hastily travels to visit her cousin. Can you imagine her joy? Yet it is not a joy driven by pride or self-exaltation but, rather, a humble recognition of the incredible gift she has been given. When Elizabeth exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” she acknowledges Mary’s role not as a passive participant in God’s plan but as an active vessel, in humbly embracing her calling.
Furthermore, we see that the joy of the infant John the Baptist—leaping in Elizabeth’s womb—both acknowledges and celebrates Mary's acceptance of God's will. Mary’s trust and belief in God’s promise led to this moment of joy that transcends mere excitement; it is a profound joy that recognizes and welcomes the presence of God among us. We can often sense things like joy, peace and happiness, and even sadness and brokenness, in a person’s voice. What must the voice of our Blessed Mother sounded like? Splendid.
Brothers and sisters, as we stand on the cusp of the Nativity, let us ask ourselves where we seek joy in our lives. Are we, like the world, seeking it in achievements, accolades, or the fleeting height of pride? Or do we desire the eternal, humble joy that comes from recognizing and embracing the divine will in our lives?
Mary's example teaches us that true joy is found in humility. It is not about self-promotion, but rather about living for something greater than ourselves. This Advent, let us embrace God’s will, just as Mary did, and prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus with a humility that allows His joy to fill us, transforming our lives and our world.
In this spirit, let us remember that in our humility, God lifts us up; in our willingness to accept His will, we find true joy. As we draw near to the celebration of Christ’s birth, may we be filled with this lasting joy—a joy that comes not from our achievements, but from the great love of God who comes to us in the most humble way—his lowly birth among us. And may he give you peace and joy always, in the grace and courage of living his will. Mary, Mother of the Divine Will, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Amen.
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