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Mass Readings: Mic
5:1-5a Ps 80 Heb 10:5-10
Lk 1:39-45
Key verse to Meditate:
And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? (Lk
1:43).
My dear Brothers
and Sisters in the Lord,
As we gather on this
Fourth Sunday of Advent, we are reminded that we are drawing ever closer to the
solemn celebration of the Nativity of the Lord.
In the First Reading, the
prophet Micah, through his prophecy, affirms the reliability of God’s promise
to David that his kingship would endure forever. God remembers His covenant
with David, declaring that the new ruler will shepherd His flock with care and
love.
In the Second Reading,
the author of the Letter to the Hebrews emphasizes that, unlike the offerings
made for the atonement of sins under the Old Covenant, the New Covenant
community has been consecrated to God once and for all through the offering of
the body of Jesus Christ, fulfilling God’s divine will.
In the Gospel, we witness
the beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth during the Visitation. This
moment occurs after Mary’s fiat to the angel Gabriel and before her Magnificat
(Lk 1:46-55). Both women, filled with the Holy Spirit and carrying children of
divine significance, serve as profound examples of faith, fidelity, and
endurance. Mary, bearing the Savior, and Elizabeth, carrying the forerunner to
the Messiah, reveal the joy and hope that accompany God’s unfolding plan, even
amidst uncertainty and obscurity. Their encounter invites us to trust in God’s
promises and rejoice in His presence among us.
First Reading - A
King Shall Rule
The first reading is
taken from the prophet Micah, known as the prophet of Covenant Unity and a
messenger to the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Micah was a staunch advocate for
justice, loyalty, and steadfast love (hesed).
In Micah 5:2-5a, the prophet foretells the rise of a new ruler in Israel from the house of David, born in Bethlehem. The great God, who became small, chose the least of places on earth to be born: Bethlehem. A few verses earlier, the end of the monarchy is lamented, as there is “no king” in Zion (4:9), and the ruler of Israel is portrayed as disgraced and taken captive (5:1). Yet, Micah reassures the people of the reliability of God’s promise to David that his kingship will endure forever.
Micah uses the imagery of
a shepherd to describe the new ruler who will “feed his flock” (5:4). This
imagery alludes to David, the shepherd-king, and emphasizes the ruler’s love
and loyalty to God. Micah concludes by proclaiming that the Savior who is to
come will be their peace. This prophecy is echoed in the New Testament, where
St. Paul declares to the Ephesians, “Christ Jesus is our peace” (Eph 2:14). In
this Advent season, we await the birth of the Prince of Peace, who alone can
grant us true and lasting peace (Is 9:6).
Second Reading -
Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All
The Letter to the Hebrews
highlights the inadequacy of the sacrifices offered under the Old Covenant,
which have now been superseded by the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The author
explains that, unlike the repeated offerings for atonement in the Old Testament,
the New Covenant community has been consecrated to God through the one-time,
perfect offering of Jesus Christ’s body, fulfilling God’s eternal will.
To support this, the
author cites Psalm 40:6-8, demonstrating that God esteems the obedience of
Christ and the offering of His body far above ritual sacrifices. The psalm
prophesies that a human body, specifically the body of Christ, would become the
perfect instrument for accomplishing God’s will.
The author attributes the
words of the Psalm 40:6-8 to Christ, beginning with the phrase, “When He came
into the world.” This emphasizes the Incarnation, reminding us that Christ’s
coming in human flesh fulfilled the Scriptures. The sacrifice of Christ is
qualitatively superior to the offerings prescribed by the Law, as it brings
eternal redemption.
The Gospel Reading – The Encounter of Two
Holy Women
The Fourth Sunday of
Advent invites us to meditate on the profound and grace-filled encounter
between Mary and Elizabeth. The Gospel passage from Luke presents this
beautiful story, where Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth after the angelic
announcement of her own role in the divine plan of salvation.
Upon learning of
Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy in her old age, Mary sets out on a journey to
offer her assistance. This meeting is no ordinary event—it is the coming
together of two extraordinary women, filled with the Holy Spirit, each carrying
in her womb a child destined for a pivotal role in salvation history: Jesus,
the Savior, and John the Baptist, His forerunner.
Though both women were
simple and humble, they were profoundly faith-filled and spirit-led. Their
lives exemplify the openness and trust with which one should receive the Word
of God.
A Meeting of Faith and Mission
Mary, despite the long
journey from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, arrives with eagerness and
greets Elizabeth. At Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaps for joy in her
womb. This is the first recorded meeting between Mary and Elizabeth following
the Annunciation, and it is deeply symbolic. Both women recognize the unique
roles they have been given in God’s divine plan. Even the children within their
wombs—Jesus and John—seem to acknowledge each other.
Mary, often called the
Ark of the Covenant, carried within her the Author of Life, while Elizabeth
bore the one chosen to prepare the way for the Lord. This encounter underscores
their shared mission and their mutual recognition of God’s work unfolding in
their lives.
Faith Transcending Age
Elizabeth, an elderly woman, and Mary, a young girl,
differed in age but were united in faith and their profound receptivity to
God’s Word. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed, “Blessed are you
among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened
to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?” (Lk 1:42-43).
Elizabeth’s words echo the angel Gabriel’s greeting to
Mary, recognizing her as “blessed among women.” She also identifies Mary as the
“Mother of the Lord,” a divine revelation granted through the Spirit. This
recognition was not based on age or status but on the grace and mission bestowed
upon Mary by God.
Elizabeth goes on to proclaim, “Blessed is she who
believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the
Lord” (Lk 1:45). In this, she praises Mary’s unwavering faith and trust in
God’s promises. Elizabeth’s humility and spiritual insight remind us that faith
transcends age, status, and circumstance.
God’s Plan in History
The narrative is deeply
rooted in salvation history. Luke provides a timeline of events, connecting the
birth of John the Baptist and Jesus to specific moments in history. From
Zachariah’s priestly duties (Lk 1:5) to Elizabeth’s conception (Lk 1:24) and Mary’s
visitation (Lk 1:39), every event unfolds in God’s perfect timing.
“In those days,” as the
Gospel often says, reminds us that God’s promises may take time, but they are
always fulfilled. This is why we call our God the “God of History.” Everything,
including our own lives, forms part of His divine plan of salvation.
Filled with the Holy Spirit
When Elizabeth heard
Mary’s greeting, the child within her leaped for joy, and she was filled with
the Holy Spirit. While the Gospel does not specify Mary’s exact greeting, it
was likely a blessing inspired by her knowledge of Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy,
revealed to her by the angel.
Elizabeth, filled with
the Spirit, immediately recognizes God’s work in Mary’s life. She bows in
reverence to her young cousin, declaring, “Why has this happened to me, that
the mother of my Lord comes to me?” (Lk 1:43). Her humility and joy reflect her
profound faith and her recognition of Mary’s unique role in salvation.
Faith, Not Doubts
Elizabeth blesses Mary
with these profound words: “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment
of what was spoken to her by the Lord” (Lk 1:45). In doing so, she emphasizes
Mary’s unwavering faith. It seems as though Elizabeth is encouraging Mary not
to doubt what the angel has revealed, but to trust completely in the promises
of the Lord.
One might wonder if
Mary’s visit to Elizabeth was motivated by a desire to verify the angel’s
message about Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy. However, Mary’s journey was not
born of doubt but of faith. Unlike John the Baptist, who later sent messengers
from prison to ask Jesus if He truly was the Messiah (Mt 11:2-6), Mary’s faith
brought her to Elizabeth. Her visit was an act of faith-filled solidarity and
joy, not scepticism.
Godly Joy in
Today’s Readings
Another powerful theme in
today’s liturgy of the Word is Godly Joy.
In the first reading, the
prophet Micah exults with joy for Bethlehem, the seemingly insignificant town
chosen to be the birthplace of the promised Messiah: “But you, O Bethlehem of
Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth
for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient
days” (Mic 5:2).
In the second reading,
from the Letter to the Hebrews, we hear of Jesus fulfilling God’s promises
through His obedience: “Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O
God’” (Heb 10:7).
Finally, in the Gospel,
Mary’s visit to Elizabeth demonstrates how those filled with the Holy Spirit
and the presence of Jesus radiate joy and spread it to others. Mary’s presence
brought joy to Elizabeth and even to the baby in her womb. We, too, are called
to be carriers of this joy in our lives.
True Joy Is Found
Only in God
Léon Bloy, a French
novelist, critic, and philosopher, once said, “Joy is the infallible sign of
God’s presence in one’s life.” Those who live in God radiate joy. The English
word “enthusiasm” originates from two Greek words: “en” (in) and “theos” (God).
To be “enthusiastic” is to be “in God.” This reminds us that true joy flows
from the presence of God within us.
When we realize how
blessed we are to be filled with the Lord’s presence, we experience this
profound joy. As the Psalms declare: “In your presence there is fullness of
joy” (Ps 16:11).
Mary is described as the
living tabernacle of the Lord, carrying Jesus within her. In her, we see the
ultimate example of one who experiences and radiates true joy. Advent teaches
us that true joy originates from encountering the Lord and living out the mission
He entrusts to us.
The lives of Mary,
Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist remind us that true joy is
found only in God and in embracing His will.
Points for
Personal Reflection
Following the holy
example of Mary and Elizabeth, let us ask ourselves:
Do I recognize the
indwelling presence of the Lord in my life?
Do I bring joy to others
when I meet them, or do I leave them burdened by my presence?
Do I carry Jesus in my
heart, as Mary carried Him in her womb?
Reflections for
Our Lives
The prophecy of Micah
reminds us of God’s unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. Do we trust in
God’s promises, even when His plans seem unclear?
The Letter to the Hebrews
calls us to meditate on the profound mystery of Christ’s sacrifice. How do we
respond to His self-giving love?
The Gospel highlights the
faith and joy of Mary and Elizabeth. Can we emulate their openness to the Holy
Spirit and their willingness to participate in God’s mission? May
we, too, Like Mary and Elizabeth recognize God’s presence in our lives and
respond to Him with humility, trust, and joy.
As we prepare for
Christmas, let us open our hearts to the Prince of Peace, the fulfilment of
God’s promises. May we live as faithful disciples, ready to proclaim the joy of
His coming to a world in need of hope and salvation.
May this season of Advent inspire us to deepen our trust in God’s promises, recognize the supreme gift of Christ’s sacrifice, and embrace the joy and peace that come with His coming into our lives - Amen.
Thanks for the meaningful reflections on the Word of God for IV Sunday of Advent
ReplyDeleteThank you for the Lovely Comment. Let us carry Jesus in our hearts and become true bearers of joy
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