Fr Peter writes: Fourth Sunday of Advent (B)

For our last Sunday of Advent we move from the prophesies of prophets like Isaiah to the ‘historic present’. Suddenly it is happening, not being foretold, but here we are in the midst of God’s action. Gabriel, His messenger, is sent to Mary. St Luke tells us she is “deeply disturbed” by Gabriel’s words. So often the great paintings of the Annunciation, from the Renaissance onwards show a deeply calm and contemplative Mary. But the Mary of the Gospels is anything but that. Indeed, she is so disturbed that she challenges Gabriel: “But how can this come about…?” And, to me, Gabriel speaks some of the most wonderful and hope filled words in all the Gospels: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow.”Each of us had the seed of God planted in us when we were created. At Baptism the Holy Spirit came upon us, and now and every moment of our lives, the power of the Most High is waiting to cover us with its shadow. Are we prepared? Through God’s grace, yes, of course we are. So, it is we can embrace God’s will for each of us. “Let what you have said be done to me. “God’s grace will suffice…