Shalom for the World

Readings

Micah 5:1-4a
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45

Jesus and Mary’s “Yes” to God

“He shall be peace (shalom),” Micah declares to the Jews under Assyrian threat (Micah 5:4(5)). Referencing Bethlehem, “least among the clans of Judah,” the prophet recalls the insignificant town from which God chose the lowly shepherd David, son of Jesse, to become Israel’s mighty king and warrior (Micah 5:1).

Israel experiences victory and defeat, subject to God’s providence guiding his covenant people to holiness. Centuries of temple holocausts and burnt offerings fail to purify the nation of hypocrisy and sin, resulting in multiple captivities to foreign powers. Above all sacrifices, God desires a selfless servant who does his will. “I delight to do your will, my God; your law is in my inner being!” David sings (Psalm 40:8(9)), words ascribed to Christ by the author of Hebrews (10:7). 

Jesus’ “Yes” begins in Mary, the handmaid of the Lord, who consents to God’s word through the message of an angel. Bearing the Son of God in her womb, Mary, the ark of the covenant, visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is with child. The unborn John, like King David of old, leaps before the ark of the covenant at the sound of Mary’s greeting.

Shalom for the World

In the little town of Bethlehem,
A prophet anoints a shepherd boy
From Jesse’s clan—his youngest son—
To shepherd Israel in hope and joy.

Goliaths fall; Assyrians rise
When unfaithful kings to idols bow.
Oblations of grain and goats cleanse not.
“I delight to do your will,” Christ vows.

The ark of Christ hastens to Judah,
The country of Jesse’s royal son. 
Unborn John in Elizabeth’s womb
Leaps like David before Mary’s Son.

Traditional Chinese Translation

《給世人的平安》
耶穌和馬利亞的「是」，
成全了阿爸的心願，將平安帶給世人。