Advent Reflections from CBC High School: Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Each day during the season of Advent students, faculty, and staff of Christian Brothers College High School will write a reflection about Advent. The Church presents us with the stories of two women – Mary and Eve – both conceived without the stain of original sin but with two entirely different responses to what God is asking of them. First, we look at Eve’s response to God when the serpent questions her about the limits God has put on her and Adam. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”  She thinks that God is trying to control her - that He does not have her best interests at heart. That she could not trust God. Contrast that with Mary’s response to what God is asking of her. First, she is frightened and confused. “How can this be since I have no relations with a man?” She did not understand, but still she stepped out in faith. “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.”  She decided to trust God even though she did not understand, because she knew that God was trustworthy. Because of Eve’s sin, death entered the world and condemned us. Because of Mary’s trust, Love entered the world and saved us. God’s Mercy is unfathomable. And for this I am eternally grateful. -- Mrs. Lynn Kelly, registrar