It was David’s greatest desire to build a house where God would dwell in glory. Imagine his surprise when God denied his request but promised instead to build a house for David—a royal dynasty that would never end. What a reversal!

Like David, we often think that human hands can build a house for God. We think that if we spend enough time accomplishing tasks in our churches, meeting spiritual goals, or doing enough charitable works, we can establish his kingdom. We tend to forget that the Christian life has just as much to do with humbly receiving unmerited grace from a powerful and generous God. We tend to forget God’s greatest desire—to build his personality, his priorities, and his passions within us.

There is a wonderful story about Vietnamese cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan who, while still a young bishop, was arrested and imprisoned by his government. Van Thuan was so devastated at not being able to complete the projects that he had started for God that he barely slept. Then one night he heard a voice saying, “Why do you torment yourself? Everything you have done and desire to continue doing . . . are God’s works, but they are not God. Choose God and not the works of God.”

Overnight Van Thuan’s whole way of thinking changed. He found also a new peace and strength that empowered him to surmount moments in prison that were almost unbearable.

In his book, “Testimony of Hope,” Cardinal Van Thuan referred to Mary as a prime example of choosing God and not the works of God. “She abandoned her projects without fully understanding the mystery that was being accomplished in her body and in her destiny.” By her fiat, Mary allowed God to build within her a house for Jesus. May we follow her example and let God build his house within and among us.

“Jesus, I surrender my life to you. I ask that you come and dwell within me forever, so that I may give you glory.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading, God gives David an extraordinary promise through the prophet Nathan: he will establish his house and his family forever! Who of us wouldn’t want that promise for ourselves? And yet each of us has an opportunity to affect our families for eternity. What might you do this Christmas season to bring members of your family to a deeper faith in Christ?
2. In what ways were the prophetic words by Nathan to David partially fulfilled in Solomon and completely fulfilled in Jesus?
3. The responsorial psalm contains prophetic words as well. How do these words, and Nathan’s prophetic words in the first reading, fulfill the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary in the Gospel reading?
4. The responsorial psalm also speaks of the Lord’s goodness, promises, faithfulness, and kindness. What steps can you take in your times of prayer to focus more on praising God for these attributes, rather than just asking for things?
5. The entire second reading is just one long sentence. It is simply a prayer of praise to God. It acknowledges God for strengthening us according to the “gospel,” the good news. Share with the men in your group some concrete examples of how you have been strengthened by the Gospel message
6. The Gospel reading is so familiar to us we may be inclined to pass over it too quickly. But when we look closely we see that the angel actually did not give Mary very many details about what her life would be like. And yet she accepted without insisting on knowing its impact on her. When God asks something of you, do you focus on how it will impact you or on God’s desire? Can you give an example?
7. Mary’s acceptance of Gabriel’s words was total and unconditional, even though he did not give Mary very many details about what her life would be like. And yet she accepted without insisting on knowing its impact on her. When you believe God is asking something of you, do you focus on how it will impact your life, or on God’s will and call for your life? Do you sometimes place conditions on God when he asks something of you? Share an example.
8. As you approach Christmas, accept (and act upon) God’s word that he loves you, and that he wants you to share that love with your family and others. At your next meeting, share the impact of acting on this.
9. The meditation this week contains a wonderful story of the imprisoned Vietnamese Cardinal who heard a voice say, “Choose God and not the works of God.” What do these words mean? How do they apply to your life?

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen