Fourth Sunday of Advent Yr. B – December 24, 2023 Rf.: Lk 1:26–38

Give your fiat to Christ at Adoration

         The Macy’s Parade was an annual TV tradition in our family, as I’m sure in most of yours. As kids, we’d watch with great anticipation ‘til the end when Santa would be welcomed and cheered on by adoring fans. Where is he? Is he here yet? We knew he would come because the announcers said he’d be the grand finale of the Parade. We patiently waited with understanding and acceptance of his arrival.                                                                                                                                                                                        In our Gospel reading from Luke, Gabriel, in his awesome appearing, tells Mary, “Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God.” He certainly fulfills his role as a messenger angel. What prophesy! What news! He explains God’s plan for the redemption of the world, if only Mary would willingly give her “fiat”, her surrender and obedience of faith, to accept God’s will. Of course, we know her humble answer. Like Mary, we need to trust in the Lord, listen, and remain open to His calling for what He has in store for each of us. We thank you and love you Mary for accepting your motherhood for Jesus and for all of us.                                                                                            Today we recount the Annunciation, the proclamation of Christ’s coming. Conceived by the Holy Spirit at the angel’s word, Christ is both God and Man in the womb of our Blessed Virgin Mother. He is hidden from our sight, but we know he is there. On Christmas, we celebrate with joy his birth, his arrival into our lives. He is the grand finale of our Advent preparations.                                                             Since his Ascension into heaven, Christ remains hidden from our sight. With our own fiat, with the eyes of faith, Christ is mystically and physically present: body, blood, soul and divinity in our reception of the Holy Eucharist at Mass. Through the eyes of faith, darkness is dispersed, we can see his true presence in the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance at Adoration. We can approach him in awe and wonder, love, and humility. Make it a Holy Hour of your day or week. It can be an overwhelming spiritual encounter. Do not be afraid.                                                                                                                                                                                                                We are like Christmas shepherds called from all walks of life to give praise, thanksgiving, and worship to our Savior at Adoration. Christ comes to us in the Blessed Sacrament, calling us to a conversion of heart and mind.                                                                               During Adoration, we pray for forgiveness and peace in our lives. We offer up our petitions for the health and well-being of our family, neighbors, and ourselves. We kneel in silent, prayerful meditation seeking answers to specific questions; listening, searching for his still, small voice and the promptings he gives each of us to fulfill his will.                                                                                                       May we give the gift of our daily fiat to our new born Savior- especially at Tuesday, 7pm Adoration, for the joy of our eternal salvation and for the glory of God.