How to incarnate Christ

20 December

Luke 1:26-38

We have started this nine days novena that leads to the celebration of Christmas, not as opening of gifts, but fulfilling a prophesy that "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.  Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs.  In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow" (Is 35: 5 - 7).

We were prepared so far as to start journeying into the world of integrity, solid faith, hope, and love.  Now, the Holy Spirit dwelt on Mary, the Immaculate Conception, whose heart is pure before God and man, and whose obedience was absolute, "I am the maidservant of the Lord; let it be done to me as you said" (Lk. 1: 38).  What does it take for us to incarnate Christ with such definitiveness?

First, there is no space for dilly-dallying like Ahaz. Though he expressed he didn't wish to put the Lord to the test, is also reveals a certain doubt that God would actually grant his prayers.  We need a solid commitment that arises from a deep relationship with God.  We are simply meant for God and not for the world.

Second, we pray for a purity of intention.  Mary has a pure intention unlike any other.  This resulted in a simple yet profound way of life, the very fundamental option being to please God.  "I know not man" implies an orientation of life that goes directly to God.  We can pray with Mary for a pure heart that is directed towards pleasing, loving, and serving him.

Third, we pray to realize who we really are.  Mary's words "I am the handmaid of the Lord.  Let it be done to me as you said" doesn't imply simply becoming "good Catholics" but rather exemplar in laying down one's life to do God's will for the sake of others. 

Only by incarnating Christ in our lives could we share him with others.