Tuesday, December 20, 2022

 Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

(Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:36-48)

Why is Mary troubled by the angel’s greeting?  Is not “hail” a common salutation?  Perhaps it was in some sectors in the first century, but not in Palestine.  There a Jewish person was more likely to say “shalom,” meaning peace, when meeting another.  The Greek word for hail – the word used in today’s gospel passage – is chaїre.  It was used as a greeting, but it more properly meant rejoice.  Mary is troubled because she had no reason to rejoice at that precise moment.

The word chaїre is repeated by the angel who announced to the shepherds Jesus’ birth.  It is also said of the disciples when they see the risen Lord in John’s gospel.  Mary and the whole world can rejoice because God is fulfilling the promise to David of an eternal king.  This king will conquer the enemies of Israel and bring the world together in peace.

Jesus has brought peace to billions of people over the centuries.  Yet his peace is still not universal.  This past year, the greatest European war in over seventy-five years has broken out in the Ukraine.    Human beings, images of God, are being blown apart.  Many are suffering from cold, fear, and exhaustion.  No one should blame Christ for failing to establish peace.  He did all that is necessary by dying on the cross.  We must look at ourselves with the question, how do I contribute to injustice, hatred, and even violence?


No comments: