I invite you to consider yourself in Mary or Joseph’s circumstance. Realize the gravity of this all-too-familiar story. An angel just appeared to you, a virgin, and announced that you are not only to have a son but that you will be the means by which Christ enters the world.
Surely, God could have given Jesus to Mary and Joseph right then and there. He could have told Mary that she would give birth in a week, a day, or an hour– God is not governed by the laws of nature. Despite this, Mary, who was just told that she will be giving birth to the Lord Jesus, will have to wait to meet Christ. Why?
I offer one reason for this waiting period– preparation. Although she was immaculately conceived free of sin, Mary benefits from this time to prepare. She is likely able to spend a great time in prayer and reflection, contemplating what it will be like to enter into the most intimate relationship with God Himself.
Preparing to meet Christ – is this not what we do at the beginning of the Holy Mass? Is this not what Advent is all about? Looking at Mary’s patience and undoubted preparation for an encounter with Jesus gives us a perfect example of how we are to treat not only the Advent season but also every reception of the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I offer this as a particular point of reflection before and during Sunday Mass this Advent season.
Knights, as we move through the business of the Christmas season, let us remember why we have the gift of Advent – preparation. Think about how to better emulate Mary and receive the Lord in the most perfect way. Whether it be reading the daily Gospels, going to confession, donating your time to those in need, or FaceTiming your grandparents who want desperately to see your face, find a way to prepare your soul for an encounter with the Most Holy. This is what Advent is all about.
Jackson Vyletel
Notre Dame 2023
The Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary
“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.”
But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.”
(Lk 1:26-35)