4B ADVENT SUNDAY HOMILY: LUKE 1:26-38, December 24, 2023
1. STORY
St. Ambrose was the governor in northern Italy with his headquarters in
Milan. In 374 the bishop of Milan died
leaving the Church bitterly divided and, thus, unable to choose a successor. St. Ambrose, fearing that there might be
trouble, went to the basilica in his civil capacity and exhorted the people to
settle the election of a new bishop in a peaceful manner. Suddenly a voice shouted out, “Ambrose for
bishop.” The people quickly took up the
cry. Ambrose was horrified. Not only was he a layman but also was not even
baptized. Fleeing the basilica, he went
into hiding to evade the crowd. However,
when they found him, he agreed thinking that this was the will of God. Within a week he was baptized, confirmed,
received holy orders, and was consecrated bishop of Milan. His response was “Yes, Lord.”
2. GOSPEL: LUKE 1:26-38
A. THE ANGEL’S MESSAGE
The angel Gabriel visited Mary in Nazareth and told her that she would become the mother of Jesus. He would rule over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom would have no end. She was not to be afraid, as this would happen through the power of the Holy Spirit.
B. MARY’S RESPONSE
Naturally, this amazing message which came so suddenly shocked Mary. She asked how this could be.
The angel explained that this would happen
through the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary
responded, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your
word.” Mary’s response was, “Yes, Lord.”
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. GOD’S MESSAGE TO US
Just as God had work for Mary to do, he also has work for us to do. Through Baptism, God has chosen us to become
his adopted children. He wants us to
love God, our neighbor, and ourselves. We are disciples of Jesus, and we must
continue the work of Jesus. We must do
what Jesus did. We must preach the
gospel and help the needy.
We must be like Mary saying, “Yes, Lord.” As adopted children of God, we must strike to love holy
lives, God, our neighbor, and ourselves. As disciples of Jesus, we must share the good
news with others. During this Christmas
season, invite someone to go to Mass with you and send a Christmas message to a
relative or friend.
4. CONCLUSION
St. Ambrose said “yes” to God. Mary
said “yes” to God. So, too, must we say
“yes” to God by living as adopted sons of God and faithful disciples of Jesus.
