Homily for Friday of the 3rd Week of Advent

While we are less than a week away from celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Gospel passage takes us back nine months to the Annunciation of His Virgin Mother, when she learns from the angel God's plan for her in His larger plan. We are reminded of Mary's initial confusion and fear and the angel's gentle admonition, "Do not be afraid."

In today's world, we may be afraid of much. Yet, the angel's gentle words to Mary are said to us" "Do not be afraid." If we, like Mary, follow the will of God in our lives, then, ultimately, we need not fear anything, for we will always be in the presence of the Lord.

During these final days of Advent, may Mary be our model of trust in the Lord as we seek to follow His will and fulfill our part in His divine plan.