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In his reflection on today’s Gospel, which recounts the Annunciation of Mary, Francis urged us to follow the example of Mary, not to “leave for later” what we have to do, but to say “yes” and take a step concrete towards Christmas. Later he added: “Consumerism is not in the manger of Bethlehem, there is reality, poverty, love.”
Vatican City
Pope Francis prayed the Marian Angelus prayer before hundreds of the faithful, who gathered in St. Peter’s Square, this December 20, the fourth Sunday of Advent.
The Bishop of Rome, commenting on the Gospel, recalled that the biblical story “proposes us once again the story of the Annunciation. “Rejoice- says the angel to Mary- you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus” (Lc 1, 28, 31).
A moment of joy and test for Maria
Francisco pointed out two elements: first, “It seems an advertisement of pure joy, destined to make the Virgin happy.” Second, “together with the joy, these words predict a great trial for Mary.” Then delve into the reason for the test:
Because at that time she was “betrothed” (v. 27) to Joseph. In a situation like that, the Law of Moses stated that there should be no relationship or cohabitation. Therefore, if she had a son, Mary would have transgressed the Law, and the penalties for women were terrible: stoning was foreseen (cf. Dt 22, 20-21). Certainly the divine message will have filled the heart of Mary with light and strength; However, he was faced with a crucial decision: say “yes” to God, risking everything, including his life, or decline the invitation and continue with his ordinary path.
An active, strong acceptance that does not make God wait
Mary’s response is immediate: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Lc 1.38). The pope comments: Mary does not say: “If it has to be done, let it be done …, if it cannot be otherwise …”. No, it does not express a weak and reluctant acceptance, but a strong and living desire. It is not passive, but active. It sticks to God. She is a lover ready to serve her Lord in everything and immediately ”.
Postpone our response to God
The Pope, referring to the responses we give to the Lord’s calls, affirms:
How many times our life is made of procrastination, even our spiritual life! I know it is good for me to pray, but today I don’t have time; I know helping someone is important, but I can’t today. I’ll do it tomorrow, that is, never. Today, at the threshold of Christmas, Mary invites us not to postpone, to say “yes”. Everything “yes” costs, but it is always less than what it cost her that brave and determined “yes”, that “Let it be to me according to your word“that brought us salvation.
Time to act
Francis encourages us to “do something for those who have less: not the umpteenth gift for ourselves and our friends, but for a person in need whom no one thinks of. And another advice: for Jesus to be born in us, let us go to confession, because only in this way will our hearts resemble that of Mary: free from evil, welcoming, ready to welcome God.
The Pope indicated that for Jesus to be born in us “let’s prepare our hearts, let’s go to prayer, let’s not let consumerism take us:” Ah, I have to buy gifts, I have to do this, this … “That frenzy of doing things, things, things … the important thing is Jesus. Consumerism: consumerism, brothers and sisters, has hijacked Christmas for us. Consumerism is not in the manger of Bethlehem: there is reality, poverty, love, “the Pope insisted .
“Let it be to me according to your word”. It is the last phrase of the Virgin on this last Sunday of Advent, and it is the invitation to take a concrete step towards Christmas. Because if the birth of Jesus does not touch life, it happens in vain, said Francisco.
