The Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the Miracles of Faith

Fourth Sunday of Advent

First Edition

Gospel Matthew 1:18-24 The birth of the Lord is near

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was engaged to Joseph. Before they came together, she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph was a law-abiding man, but he did not want to make his engagement public. He intended to divorce her quietly.

But while Joseph was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream by night, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

“Behold, a virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.”

After Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:18–24 First Edition)

The Miraculous Role of the Virgin Mary

Christmas is a time for us when spiritual and cultural traditions come together. One of the deepest and most important stories of Christmas is the birth of the Virgin Mary and her son Jesus. This miraculous event takes on special significance in the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, which recounts the angel’s message to Joseph (Matthew 1:18–24). Behind this snow, questions arise that faith and the power of God provide answers to. By learning about these things, we can deepen our own faith and our understanding of why Mary was chosen for this special role.

Mary was chosen to be a mother not because she was superior, but because her heart was full of faith and humility. Her choice was guided by an inner spiritual state that reflects genuine faith. Mary was only about 14 years old, but she was prepared to fulfill God’s will. When she said to the angel, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), she showed complete trust. This is an example of how important it is to trust God, even when we don’t understand everything.

The Limits of Human Understanding

When we encounter things that are difficult to understand, they raise questions. For many, it can be challenging to understand how God could create life without human intervention. For example, in a 2022 survey, one-third of Americans reported doubting the reality of the virgin birth. This shows how far scientific thinking has come. However, at the heart of faith is the idea that God’s power exceeds the limits of human reason. Bishop Augustine aptly said, “I believe, that I may understand.” This idea sums up the fact that the miracles of faith cannot be solved by reason alone. Many believers have witnessed things that cannot be explained scientifically, such as healings that have occurred through the power of prayer.

Mary’s Choice and God’s Plan

Why did God choose Mary? This question is deeply reflected in its multi-layered nature. God is omnipotent and could have chosen anyone, but His choice focused on Mary’s inner beauty. He was not looking for royalty, but for youth, modesty, and a sparkling heart. Mary was ready to accept a great task, and her affirmative response opened the doors to God’s plans. For example, Mary not only brought Jesus into the world; she was also the first witness to Jesus’ miracles and teachings.

Choices and Their Effects

Freedom to make choices is central to human life. Our choices can take us closer to God’s will or further away. For example, in two different situations we can notice their effects. If we choose to help the poor, we can experience God’s blessing many times over. Conversely, choosing to live a self-centered life can lead to bitterness and isolation. It is also important to remember that most of the time we only focus on failures. Research shows that positive thinking and God’s blessings can really change our perspective. When we take responsibility for our choices, we can let God direct our gaze to the good things as well.

Foundation in Faith and Grace

God’s call to Mary’s life reminds us that everyone has a place in God’s plan. It takes courage to fulfill that call. Mary set an example of how we must rise up and accept God’s calling. This journey can change our lives and the world around us. For example, many people I know, such as Mother Teresa, have listened to God’s call and made a great impact in the world.

When we talk about the miracles of faith, we cannot forget grace. Grace is a gift from God that is available to everyone, both believers and doubters. It helps us understand that we don’t have to be perfect to please Him. In times of despair, we can turn to Him. Mary certainly faced fears, but her faith kept her strong.

For example, when Jesus rose from the dead, it was not only a victory over death, but also a proof of God’s grace at work in our lives. We must remember that God’s grace is sufficient to enable us to live according to His will, especially in difficult times.

God’s influence in our lives

God is a living and active force that changes our lives in our daily lives. When we trust in His plans, we can experience the power that God brings into our lives. Through faith, we can draw close to those moments when we see God’s miracles in our midst. Mary acted as God’s instrument, and her example encourages us to consider how we can be used by God. Are we ready to hear His voice? How can we make daily choices that direct our lives according to His will?

The beauty of faith and gracious choice

The choice of the Virgin Mary to be the mother of Jesus is a lesson that reminds us that God does not only look at our outward qualities. In His eyes, the attitude of the heart is what matters most. Mary teaches us humility, faith, and trust in God’s plans. When we face doubts, we should remember that all miracles of faith are the work of God. It is encouraging to see that we choose to trust His will every day. Let your heart be open and ready to receive His blessings. When we open, we can experience how God’s power turns our lives around for good.