The Righteous Branch will be raised up from David's descendants

Jer. 23:5-8, Mt. 1:18-24. God willed that His Son would be the Saviour of the entire human race. Today's first reading reassures us that the Righteous Branch will be raised up from David’s descendants and that through Him, His people will be saved and live in safety. In today's Gospel, Jesus is described as the one who will save His people from their sins. To save us, Jesus chose to take on our humanity, fully and in the flesh, by being born of a mother. That was the major role and mission of Mary: to be the mother who served God’s saving plan. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it, “to become the mother of the Saviour, Mary was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to her role." The angel Gabriel salutes her as “full of grace”, totally ready for her great mission in life.

As God prepared Mary for her role and mission, so are we prepared for what is asked of us. This principle, that God prepares those whom He chooses for their role and mission, is true for everyone who is prepared to serve God. We are chosen and called to holiness. God has prepared us for works of service; by giving us Jesus, to be our Lord and guide, calling us to the saving waters of Baptism, by giving us the support of the Church and its Sacraments and strengthening us to cooperate with His saving will. The conception of Jesus was a miracle of grace that raised questions in the hearts of those most directly affected, Mary and Joseph. They needed reassurance: “Do not be afraid,” to cope with the challenge they faced. In times of transition and change, we need this reassurance: “Do not be afraid.” We put our trust in God’s presence, in Emmanuel, God-with-us, just as Mary and Joseph had to do.

May the Lord bless us as we work and grant us faith until the end, when His Son will come in glory! Amen!! Good morning, have a great day!!!