Scripture Study for
Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1–5, 8b–12, 14a, 16 / Psalm 89:2a / Romans 16:25–27 / Luke 1:26–38
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Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
David has amassed enough wealth to build a palace for himself, and he is no longer threatened by enemies. The author states very clearly that the peace that David enjoys is not the result of any victory of his own but comes from the good pleasure of the Lord. Now David realizes that the progress he and his people have made politically and socially has not carried over to their religious life. He turns to the prophet Nathan and tells him that he wishes to build a fitting temple for his God. Though God legitimates the Davidic ruling line, it will be Solomon, a descendant of David, not David himself, who will build the temple.
Paul sums up the central theme of his own teaching, namely, that God’s new act of revelation in Christ will bring even the Gentiles to the commitment of faith. Paul claims that the revelation of God in Christ was really present in ages past, but as a mystery that was kept secret. This revelation might have been hidden in the past, but those who have eyes of faith today should be able to read these writings and there discover something of God’s plan. The purpose of the revelation of this mystery is universal salvation. All, Gentiles included, are to be brought to the commitment of faith.
The account of the Annunciation is cast in a traditional pattern of angelic birth announcements, alerting the reader to the divine significance of future events. Typical in angelic appearances, Mary’s reaction is fear. The angel reassures her that everything that will happen in and through her is in God’s plan. She does not question that this will happen, but how it will happen, because she is a virgin. The angel assures her that she will be overshadowed by God’s Spirit and power. The scene concludes with Mary’s acceptance. As a servant of the Lord, she is also a model of openness and receptivity.