Ask!

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Readings: Is 7:10-14; PS 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38
Notes: How often we design our own solutions without the divine aid.

Ask! The Lord answers in ways beyond our imagination! (Continuing the contemplation of righteousness in action).

• Manoah asked.
• Zechariah asked.
• Ahaz wouldn’t ask.
• Joseph didn’t get a chance to ask AFAWCT.
• Mary asked.

Talk with the Lord for he has planned marvelous things!

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace (Isa 9:5).

First reading
The LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!

Responsorial Psalm
Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.

Alleluia Verse
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

Gospel Portion
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.

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

And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Ask!

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry