Things Which are very necessary for the Birth of Jesus in my Life

Gospel Thoughts

Advent Season : 4th Week - Sunday

GOSPEL Lk 1:26-38

First Reading - 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

Second Ready - Rom 16:25-27

*Things Which are very necessary for the Birth of Jesus in my Life*

We are very close to the event of Christmas. Today's reading calls us to reflect about the very important things which are necessary for the birth of Jesus. They are the following

*1) We need to be  Filled with Grace*

*Hail Mary Full of Grace* These are the greetings of the Angel to Mary

These greetings show the aspect of Grace which is found in Mary. 

Grace was very much necessary for the Birth of Jesus, which was really found in Jesus 

We need to be filled with Grace, in order to prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus.

Sacrament of reconciliation is one of the ways to prepare ourselves and to fill ourselves with the grace of God

*2) We need to be with the Lord*

*The Lord is with You* This is the second part of Angels greeting, which shows that, since Mary was with God, God also was with Mary 

Being with God, or in the presence of God is very necessary for the Birth of Jesus 

*God is always with us* But the question is *Are we with God?*

At time we are everywhere, except with God. Without being with God, one can't expect to have the Birth of Jesus in his/her life. 

By reading the Word of God, by doing our various spiritual duties, by praying regularly and meditating on the word of God, we can be with God.

*3) We Need to find favour of God*

*Mary, for you have found favor with God.*

Mary found favour of God, because of her righteous life. 

Special and extraordinary things are given to the favoured one because, one who gives them is sure that they will be faithful to the things which are given 

They will do all the possible things and ready to sacrifice anything for the things to happen in their life. 

Gods favour lies in acceptability, faithfulness, readiness to face all the possible challenges in carrying out the responsibility and readiness to offer ones life for God's  sake. 

Such things come in the of concept *favoured one* and it is not a blind favour based on likings 

Such aspects of favour were found in Mary, so she was favoured by God. 

Do I have the above aspects which are necessary for God's favour. Unless we are favoured by God, the birth of Jesus will not happen in my Life. 

What things I need to pay attention, in order to find favour of God, in my Life? 

*4) We need to clarify our doubts*

*But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?*

Doubts are the part of our lives. We get many doubts based on our reasoning capacity. Mary to had many doubts. But she with a sincere heart clarified them 

A doubtful mind is always dangerous, which does not give consent for anything

Unless one gives consent for something, nothing happens in life. 

Mary clarified the doubts and she was ready to receive Jesus in her life

Clarifying my doubts is very necessary to prepare myself for the birth of Jesus

Listening to God and others is the best solution to clarify ones doubts.

*5) We need to become the handmaids of the Lord*

*Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.*

Handmaid is the one who carries out the will of the Master

*Handmaid-ness* speaks about the humility and the willingness to carry out God's plan in her life. 

Am I ready to become the handmaid of the Lord, which is very necessary for the birth of Jesus in my life. 

*6) Things to happen according to God's will*

*May it be done to me according to your word*

Ultimately Mary agreed for the will of God to happen in her life. 

Giving complete control of her life to God. Which speaks about her, trust, confidence, courage and willingness

Am I ready to offer myself for the will of God to happen in my life? 

Only then Jesus will be able to take birth in my life.

Am I ready for the birth of Jesus?

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*