Fourth Sunday of Advent [C]

 


FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT [C]


Given what’s happening within the womb of St. Elizabeth, it would appear that the plan of salvation is “kicking” into high gear (see Luke 1:41-44). John has begun to stir, in anticipation of the role that he will play in support of that divine plan. We know, furthermore, that Elizabeth has her role to play. The little town of Bethlehem will likewise have a role to play (Micah 5:1-4). And of course, we know that the plan of salvation will depend most crucially upon the Blessed Virgin Mary and the role that she is in the process of playing.  


She will fulfill the theological equation outlined in Hebrews chapter ten: the plan of salvation will take shape within the confines of her womb. We hear about “a body” that is being prepared (Heb. 10:5); where is this taking place? It’s taking place within the womb of the Virgin Mary, relying exclusively upon the genetic material that she provides. Typically, a preborn baby forms through the use of genetic material deriving from both a mother and a father. However, in the case of Jesus, it will all come from the mother’s side. Divinity and humanity will interact, bringing about the miracle of the Nativity. Divinity interacts, not just with humanity, but with a particular sampling of our humanity—that of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. 


Essentially, she is “cooperating” with the Almighty. Others, from previous generations, have been called upon to cooperate with the Divine Initiative. Abraham has been identified as a “friend of God” (Isaiah 41:8; 2nd Chron. 20:7; James 2:23). The Book of Exodus recounts how God and Moses would speak “face to face” (33:11). Meanwhile, David presents himself as the “apple of God’s eye” (Ps. 17:8). In each instance, we are talking about a familiarity with the Lord, or at least a degree of familiarity with the Lord. Nevertheless, with Mary it’s more than friendship. It’s more than a face-to-face encounter. This encounter extends over a nine-month period, unfolding within the core of her being. In fact, the encounter will continue beyond the Nativity, with the Child being subsequently nurtured and raised. This represents more than familiarity—it could actually be described as “Absolute Familiarity.”  


Think for example about your experience of water. You experience water when you go swimming, when you shower, when you take a bath, when you find yourself being rained upon. It adds up to what could be called a “familiarity” with the symbol of water. Compare this to the Little Mermaid’s familiarity with water. She lives within the depths of the sea. She inhales water; she exhales water. Her familiarity clearly surpasses your familiarity. It’s absolute. She experiences water in the same way that the Virgin Mary experiences divinity. The parallel can be stretched even further when we consider the fact that they both are committed to making a difference. The Mermaid applies herself so that a prince can be saved from drowning. And yet, the parallel can only be stretched so far. While both deserve to be celebrated, we will discover that when the Blessed Virgin Mary applies herself, it’s not just for the sake of a lone individual; rather, it’s for the sake of us all—each and every member of the human family.

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