PRAYER FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Ever-living God,
your eternal Word took flesh on our earth
when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan.
Lift our minds in watchful hope
to hear the voice which announces his glory
and open our minds to receive the Spirit
who prepares us for Christ’s coming.
We ask this through Christ the LORD.
The Church’s Opening Prayer for the Fourth Sunday of Advent — Sacramentary 1985.
REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL FOR
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT LUKE 1:26-38
It is 4th down on the 40 with seconds to play and a touchdown is needed to win. Big Ben throws a big looping pass into the end zone. We call this a Hail Mary pass.
Today Luke tells us the story of Mary and the Angel, and Mary says, “How is this possible?” and the Angel answers, “Nothing is impossible with God.” But God has no chance to make the impossible possible unless we throw the pass. Justice is possible. Forgiveness is possible. Reconciliation is possible. Love is possible.
Games are won and lives are changed when we believe the Angel’s message. Try and pray, and be amazed that “Nothing is impossible with God.” Throw the pass.