Fourth Sunday of Advent (Cycle C): December 19, 2021
Readings: Micah 5:1–4; Psalm 80:2–3, 15–16, 18–19; Hebrews 5:5–10; Luke 1:39–45
As the season of Advent comes to a close, with barely a week to go to celebrate Christmas, we are invited by the liturgical readings on this fourth Sunday of Advent with a call to follow both Mary and Elizabeth. The role of these two women in the salvation history of humanity is very important. They speak about the good news that both are carrying within them. Their sons are going to bring a big change in Jewish society in particular and in the world at large in general.
1. God accompanies in odd circumstances
The events of the conception in Elizabeth and Mary are extraordinary and surprising to both of them: If Elizabeth conceived at her senior (old age) years, Mary at her young age, even before she could be married formally to Joseph. The news of their pregnancies and becoming mothers for the first time baffled their families. If Zacharia, the husband of Elizabeth refused to believe such a thing could happen to his wife, Joseph on the other hand thought of leaving Mary quietly from getting married. Even though it might appear joyful news, it was also challenging. Such happenings in the life of these Jewish women was difficult to handle. Moreover, it was something odd that had happened to these God-fearing ladies in their unexpected time. However, God's ways are different. He knows to make the best out of this situation. Probably, that must be the reason why both Mary and Elizabeth happen to be relatives. If these two odd things happen to two distinct unrelated persons then it would have been much more difficult for the families to handle them well.
God comes in our midst, often, not only in mysterious ways but also in very odd ways. We could ask why things could not have been easier for both Elizabeth and Mary with regard to their conception? Even today, in traditional societies, anything that is related to conception or pregnancy is taken seriously. Any unusual activity or happening in this regard is unacceptable. That is why there are so many abortions and female infanticide taking place all over the world including in the so-called liberal world. Both the families of Elizabeth and Mary take these unusual happenings in their life with a confirmation of faith. Because both of them see the hand of God and realize quickly such things are possible only through God. We witness them turning to each other in love, and embrace the promise that God will be with them. Perhaps, their strong faith and impeccable moral life strengthened their resolve including of their families to see this as a symbol of God's continuous accompaniment.
2. God reveals the true identity of our Redeemer
Prophet Isaiah speaks for God saying "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11). These words come true in the life of both Elizabeth and Mary. In fact, through them, God reveals the identity of the Redeemer. God makes use of the goodness of these two women to bring forth the work of salvation and holy news about our Redeemer. The proximity between Elizabeth and Mary is astonishing and both of them give their best in spite of the cultural and religious hurdles to make known to the world who they are and what they have to give to the world.
God fulfills his promises in his own time. What was promised to King David that an heir would reign on his throne forever will be fulfilled but differently. All through the Advent season we have been hearing the prophecies of the coming Messiah. Prophet Micah puts it well " … from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler… whose origin is from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:1) The promised Messiah would not be a king in the language that we are accustomed to understand but he would be a ruler in a different sense. Because he is the only "begotten" Son of God. Jesus Christ would rule in our hearts. He would be our joy, peace and love. Pope Francis put it so well, "our deepest joy comes from Christ - in remaining with him, walking with him and being his disciples." When we follow his teachings and do the things that he did means allowing him to act in and through us. It is but following God's will.
3. God comes to visit us
Christmas is now very close, even though it has not yet come. Perhaps, it is the right time for us to contemplate what was Jesus' attitude when he came into the world. How can you describe that attitude? Jesus, the Son of God, did not come into this world with his might and power. He came into the world accompanied by the mutual support of the Father and the Spirit. Mary and Elizabeth were not alone in the early stages of their pregnancies. God accompanied them. Angel Gabriel strengthened them with words of encouragement and courage. Therefore, everyday is a gift of God and everyday God comes into our midst. C S Lewis writes so beautifully “Relying on God has to start all over everyday, as if nothing has yet been done.”
Both Elizabeth and Mary affirm, share, and celebrate their blessing and encounter with God. In doing so, their joy doubled and found in each other comfort and strength. In their such faith-filled joyful and graceful encounter, mutually they support each other as they look forward eagerly what God is doing in and through them. Perhaps this is a great lesson for us to be inspired by these two great women of our Sacred Scriptures to be open always for an encounter and solidarity with all the members of the global family. Through their experience, we also may grow in the presence of God everyday of our lives ready to take forward the promises God gives us to proclaim His Kingdom of justice, peace and reconciliation.
Questions for Reflections:1. What is that God really telling you at this time of the year?
2. Jesus came to do the Will of the Father. Do you feel the urgency to adopt that attitude of Jesus in your own life?
3. As you turn yourself to God, what difference will the coming of Christmas make in your life?
4. What are those signs or experiences that you have about God's faithfulness in your life?
O WisdomLord and RulerRoot of JesseKey of DavidRising SunKing of the NationsEmmanuelCome, Lord Jesus, Amen.
- Olvin Veigas, SJ
4 comments:
It's really a thought provoking reflections with a deep message. Such a beautiful message, wonderfully conveyed. I always cherish your insights! What a blessing you are to others! Thanks for blessing us to be a great blessing to others in our life. Seasonal greetings to you!
Thanks, Father. Yes, it is true, we are never alone when God accompanies with us. God comes in our midst not only in mysterious ways but also in very odd ways. The challenge is how I can discover and acknowledge His presence and even can read the signs, the meaning in that time in order to see God in all. Thanks again for your inspiring insights. May God bless you
Very apt title and so strengthening. I'm touched by the way you brought out the reflection saying that God makes use of the goodness of Mary and Elizabeth to bring forth the work of salvation.
In fact, I'm inspired that the GOODNEWS that Mary and Elizabeth carried within them is a cause of our existence and the redemption we enjoy today. I felt deeply that I must be consciously aware that I too am the bearer of Goodnews because I'm receiving HIM daily in the Eucharist.
Thank you Fr. Olvin for this beautiful reflection
Very meaningful reflections Fr. Your reflections remind me time & again that our deepest joy comes from Christ in doing His Will.
Thank you for that inspiring questions for reflections, which helped me look back at God's faithfulness in my life.
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