I found out a few days ago that I would write a short reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Lk 1:26-38).   As I’ve prepared there are two words that keep coming back to me… courage and peace.

The story in today’s gospel speaks to me of COURAGE:

• The courage of Mary to put such a question to the angel Gabriel. It shows genuine faith. That angel Gabriel takes the question seriously and responds tenderly models how we should strive to be when somebody asks a question of us.
• In accepting the message of the Angel Gabriel, Mary courageously accepts her role as handmaid of the Lord.

As Dominican whānau: may we be people of courage to seek and live out the truth in our daily lives.

As we light the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath today I think of the word PEACE.

This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolises peace.  There are so many without peace this Advent:

• those in countries torn apart through war and natural disasters
• those living in situations of family violence
• those struggling with mental health issues

and many more.

As Dominican whānau: may we be people of peace, seeking to encourage peace in all that we do.

Contributed by Teresa McNamara