Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 12-21-14, Fourth Sunday of Advent
USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 12-21-14 | Revised New American Bible

Posted on 12/20/2014 6:08:31 PM PST by Salvation

December 21, 2014

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

 

Reading 1 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
“Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!”
Nathan answered the king,
“Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you.”
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
“Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?’

“It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27-29

R/ (2a) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
The promises of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations.”
R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
“He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.’
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,
and my covenant with him stands firm.”
R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Reading 2 Rom 16:25-27

Brothers and sisters:
To him who can strengthen you,
according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages
but now manifested through the prophetic writings and,
according to the command of the eternal God,
made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith,
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ
be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia Lk 1:38

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.



TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: annunciation; blessedvirginmary; catholic; lk1; prayer
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-56 last
To: All
Catholic Culture

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/pictures/4_sun_advent.jpg

 

Daily Readings for:December 21, 2014
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

RECIPES

o    German Cinnamon Stars

ACTIVITIES

o    Christmas Tree

o    Posters for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany

o    Religion in the Home for Elementary School: December

o    Religion in the Home for Preschool: December

PRAYERS

o    Hungarian wheat

o    Advent Prayers

o    Jesse Tree Prayer Service

o    Advent Table Blessing 1

o    Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Advent (1st Plan)

LIBRARY

o    Christ Was Born for Our Salvation | Pope John Paul II

·         Advent: December 21st

·         Fourth Sunday of Advent

Old Calendar: Fourth Sunday of Advent

"A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return" (Luke 19:12). This nobleman is Christ, the Son of God, King of all nations. His kingdom is over all men and over all things, both material and spiritual. He has everything in His hand as God and man. But another, Satan, has broken into His kingdom and has made himself master of many of Christ's subjects. In the old dispensation only a small part of humanity, the chosen people, remained faithful to the almighty King.

Christ, the Son of God, came into this "far country" in order to become man and, by means of humility, obedience, and poverty, to cast out the usurper who had taken His subjects. He came to reassert His dominion over all those who had left Him, both Jews and Gentiles.

The feast of St. Peter Canisius, which is ordinarily celebrated today, is superseded by the Sunday liturgy.

O Antiphons ~ Radiant Dawn

Click here for commentary on the readings in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.


The Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel’ (Is 7:14). This well known affirmation by the prophet Isaiah announces the coming of the Messiah into human history. It already gives us a taste of the proximity of that marvelous, stupendous day which will be the ‘dies natalis’ of Jesus. It was foretold by the prophets and proclaimed throughout the whole of Sacred Scriptures that He would be the One who would fulfil and bring them to completion. Our God will be incarnated and born due to the generous willingness of the ‘Virgin’ who, from the very beginning of time, was chosen to be the Mother of the Savior.

On the one hand we see Ahaz’s weak faith as he declined God’s concession to grant him a sign. Whilst on the other hand we see God’s insistence in giving a sign so that His dwelling place amongst men could be fully realized (cf Is 7:10-14).

‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife’ (Mt 1:20). Just like in the reading from the prophet Isaiah, yet in a diametrically opposed way to Ahaz’s incredulous attitude, we see Joseph’s full adherence to God’s will. He had just decided to divorce Mary on account of her unexpected pregnancy in accordance with the Law, but upon the Angel’s reassurance ‘he did what he told him to do: he took his wife home’ (Mt 1:24). Joseph’s need for reassurance that the child was the fruit of the Holy Spirit doesn’t diminish his fatherhood but rather enhances it as ‘You must name him Jesus, because He is the One who is to save His people from their sins’ (Mt 1:21). In other words, thanks to his extraordinary fatherhood he, himself accepted and permitted the realization of God’s promise to reside amongst His people. Joseph’s great faith helps us to comprehend that faith assumes a new importance in the most intimate things that belong to us. We are reminded today that everyone of us has received our ‘apostolic mission’ to ‘obtain the obedience of faith’, and to profess our faith in Jesus Christ (cf Rm 1:1-7).

In all of these events we see the great mission that Mary undertook as a privileged instrument in the hands of God. It is thanks to her that God found His home amongst men, as she became that first resting place of the Word: ‘Today O Mary you became the book in which our rule is described. In you today is written the wisdom of the Eternal Father…. O Mary, my sweetest love, in you is written the Word, from whom we have life’s doctrine. You are the table on which that doctrine rests. I see this Word that is written in you, who is not without the holy desire of the cross. Immediately that he was delivered to you, the desire of dying for the health of men, for whom he was incarnated, was grafted and placed in Him.’1

Wake up, therefore, because the birth of the Lord is almost at hand, let us go to meet Him in His glory: to listen to him, to love Him and to follow Him!

1 St. Catherine of Siena, Prayers and Elevations

From the Congregation for the Clergy

 

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/pictures/advent_wreath3.jpg


O King of the Gentiles
"Come and save man, whom Thou hast made out of dust." What is man? He is but a particle of dust, an insignificant creature who has further separated himself from God through sin. He has been cut off from the fountain of truth and banished from God to darkness and misery. Still in the ruins there dwells a spirit that possesses a capacity for truth. In these ashes there is yet a spark that may be fanned to life to burn with the brilliance of divine life. But only God can revive this flame. For this reason the Church cries out, "Come and save man, whom Thou hast made out of dust." Save him who is so weak, so miserable and helpless. Remember his nothingness. Consider the many enemies who lay snares to rob him of divine life and to entice him into sin. Think of his obscured knowledge and his proneness to evil, of his tendency to error, and his weakness in the face of temptation. Guard him from the enticements of the world; shelter him from the poison of erroneous teaching; deliver him from the devil and his angels.

During these days before Christmas, the Church contemplates the overwhelming misery of unregenerated mankind. She cries out, "Come and save man, whom Thou hast made out of dust."

Jesus is King of all nations. "The kings of the earth stood up and the princes met together against the Lord and against His Christ. Let us break their bonds asunder, and let us cast away their yoke from us. He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them, and the Lord shall deride them. Then shall He speak to them in His anger and trouble them in His rage. But I am appointed king by Him over Sion, His holy mountain. ... The Lord hath said to Me; Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of Me and I will give Thee the Gentiles for Thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for Thy possession" (Ps. 2:2-8). Well may Herod seek the life of the newborn king. Indeed, many kings and tribes and nations in the course of time shall deprecate the divine King, Christ. But to Him has been given all power in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28: i8). Before Him every knee shall bend, and every tongue shall confess that He is the Lord (Phil. 2:10f.).

The more the mighty condemn the kingship of Christ, the more shall He be exalted by the Father.

Now He comes to us in the form of a lovely child. One day in the presence of the Roman governor He will assert His right to kingship. But after this one public confession of His royal origin He withdraws again into the obscurity which He had freely chosen. For the present He is satisfied with this manifestation of His royal dignity. The day will come, however, when He will manifest it with power and majesty as He comes again on the clouds of heaven. Before all nations God will declare: "I have anointed Him King of Sion. My holy mountain." All men shall pay Him homage as king; all nations shall acclaim Him the King of Glory.

Excerpted from The Light of the World by Benedict Baur, O.S.B.

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/pictures/advent_wreath3.jpg


http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/Seasons/Advent/images/Oking.gif6th O Antiphon:
O King of the Gentiles and their desired One,
Cornerstone,
Who makest two into one,

COME
and deliver man,
whom You formed out of the dust of the earth.

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/pictures/advent_wreath3.jpg


41 posted on 12/21/2014 8:00:11 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: All
The Word Among Us

Meditation: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16

4th Sunday of Advent

The Lord … will establish a house for you. (2 Samuel 7:11)

Imagine David’s surprise when God denied his request to build a temple but promised instead to build a house for David—a royal dynasty that would never end!

Like David, we often think that human hands can build a house for God. We think if we spend enough time accomplishing tasks in our churches or doing enough charitable works, we can establish his kingdom on earth. 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 the late 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 went nights without sleeping. Then one night he heard a voice saying, “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.”

These words changed Van Thuan’s whole way of thinking. He found a new peace and strength 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 Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. May we follow her example and let God build his house within and among us.

“Jesus, I surrender to you. Come and dwell within me, so that I may give you glory.”

Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

(2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12,14,16; Psalm 89:2-5,27,29; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38)

1. In the first reading, God gives David this extraordinary promise through the prophet Nathan: “I will raise up your offspring after you, sprung from your loins, and I will establish his kingdom. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your kingdom are firm forever before me; your throne shall be firmly established forever.” In what ways were the prophetic words by Nathan to David partially fulfilled in Solomon, his son, and completely fulfilled in Jesus?

2. Who of us wouldn’t want Nathan’s promise for ourselves, that is, that God will establish our house and our family forever. Yet each of us has an opportunity, through the grace of God, to affect our homes and our families for eternity. What might you do this Christmas season to bring members of your family to a deeper faith in Christ?

3. The responsorial psalm also contains prophetic words about the coming king who will establish his “throne for all generations.” 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. In what ways have you been strengthened by the Gospel message, the Good News of Jesus Christ?

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 it unconditionally without insisting on knowing its impact on her. What a model she is for us. How about you? When you believe God is asking something of you, do you focus on how it will impact you or on trusting in God’s will for your life? Do you sometimes place conditions on God when he asks something of you? Can you give an example?

7. The meditation ends with these words: “By her fiat, Mary allowed God to build within her a house for Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. May we follow her example and let God build his house within and among us.” What are some steps you can take to follow Mary’s example and open yourself to God’s “unmerited grace” and allow him to build within you “a house for Jesus Christ”? Why is building “a house for Jesus Christ” more than just doing good works? Why is it more about allowing Jesus to transform us more and more into his image and likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 12:2)?

8. Take some time now to pray for the grace to give your life unconditionally to Jesus and bring him glory. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.


42 posted on 12/21/2014 8:01:36 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: Salvation
A Christian Pilgrim

WILL WE TAKE THE TIME TO QUIET OURSELVES BEFORE GOD AS MARY DID?

21 Dec

WILL WE TAKE THE TIME TO QUIET OURSELVES BEFORE GOD AS MARY DID?

(A biblical reflection on THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, 21 December 2014) 

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38 

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16; Psalms: Psalm 89:2-5,27,29; Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27 

ANNUNCIATION - MARIA DIBERI KABAR OLEH MALAIKAT TUHAN -1003

The Scripture Text

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father  David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no husband?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38 RSV)

At the moment of creation, the Spirit of God hovered over the waters (Genesis 1:2). At the moment of the incarnation, the Holy Spirit came upon Mary, and “the power of the Most High” overshadowed her (Luke 1:35). The longing of every human heart was answered as the virgin gave her consent to the angel’s words: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). At long last, God was to dwell among us.

King David once thought that human hands could build a house for God (2 Samuel 7:1-5), and God used this noble but misguided intention to deliver a double-edged lesson. First, He “rejected” David’s offer, maintaining His sovereignty in determining how He would rule Israel. Yet He also rewarded David’s gesture with a wonderful promise: “I will establish your descendants forever and build your throne for all generations” (Psalm 89:4). God’s word was fulfilled in part when Solomon built David’s temple and the glory of the Lord filled it (1 Kings 8:10-11). But the complete fulfillment came when Emmanuel (God with us) entered the world through Mary.

ROHHULKUDUS

Mary was uniquely chosen to become the “handmaid of the Lord” (Luke 1:38), and the angel rightly greeted her as kecharitomene – the favoured one full of grace (Luke 1:28). We can share in that grace as we open our hearts to the Lord, confess our sins, and ask the Holy Spirit to bring the Gospel to life within us.

There is so much to ponder during this season of grace, so many wonderful dimensions of the mystery of God’s love for us. Yet the wonder of the incarnation comes to us in the midst of busy preparations: travelling, shopping, wrapping, cooking. Will we take the time to quiet ourselves before God as Mary did?

Let us be generous receivers of God’s grace over these next few days. It may seem difficult, even beyond our powers, but with the Lord, “nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). He is the “only wise God” who “is able to strengthen you according to … the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages, but is now disclosed” (Romans 16:25-27). The mystery is that nothing, not even sin, can separate us from the love of God which became flesh in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, by Your Holy Spirit make me willing and able to quiet myself before You as Mary did. Open my heart to Your grace, so that through the angel’s message to Mary I can learn to believe in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son. Lead me to be a faithful disciple of Christ, by always saying “yes” to Your will. Amen. 


43 posted on 12/21/2014 8:05:31 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies]

To: All

Marriage=One Man and One Woman 'Til Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for December 21, 2014:

“For nothing will be impossible for God.” (Lk 1:37) Christ became man to save us. Do not doubt that He can work wonders for and through you.

44 posted on 12/21/2014 8:09:39 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies]

To: All
Advent Reflection by Father Robert Barron

Advent Day 22 – The New Eve

by Fr. Robert Barron

In our Gospel for this fourth Sunday of Advent, we turn to the beautiful and familiar story of the Annunciation. The angel Gabriel comes to a virgin named Mary to announce she will give birth to a son. Although undoubtedly shocked, Mary responds, “I am the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” Mary abandoned her own plans and acquiesced to what God wanted her to do.

The Church Fathers were fond of describing Mary as the new Eve, the new mother of all the living. In fact, some say the angel’s “ave” (“hail”) reversed “Eva.”

What was Eve’s problem? Eve grasped at the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, claiming along with Adam that she would be the criterion of right and wrong, that her will would determine the nature of the good. Every one of our spiritual and moral problems flows from this primordial sin. But when Mary says, “Let it be done to me according to your word,” this spiritual momentum is stopped and then reversed. It is this reversal that allows Christ to be born into the world.

Meister Eckhart noted that every Christian has the vocation of Mary, to bring Christ to birth. We each do this in our own ways and styles, according to the exigencies of our unique vocations. But we do this, Eckhart saw, the same way Mary did: by abandoning our projects and plans, our sense of the good life, and acquiescing to God’s purpose working through us.


45 posted on 12/21/2014 8:14:16 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies]

To: All
Sunday Scripture Study

Fourth Sunday of Advent - Cycle B

December 21, 2014

Click here for USCCB readings

Opening Prayer  

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16

Psalm: 89:2-5,27,29

Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38

 

QUESTIONS:

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church:  §§ 64,148, 430, 437, 486, 488-490, 494, 505, 723, 2617

Mary was raised to the dignity of Mother of God rather for sinners than for the just, since Jesus Christ declares that he came to call not the just, but sinners. -St. Anselm

46 posted on 12/21/2014 8:22:42 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 45 | View Replies]

To: All

When Mary Said Yes

Pastor’s Column

4th Sunday of Advent

December 21, 2014

          When the Archangel Gabriel came to Mary to announce the good news of the coming birth of Jesus Christ, he first came to get her permission. Our entire future depended on her willingness to say “yes” to God at this moment. And she had to do this without fully knowing the consequences of her decision. It is true that Gabriel expresses in general terms to her the wonders that will follow Christ’s birth and makes it clear that she will be carrying the Son of God,.  Yet remarkably, there is absolutely no mention made of trials and difficulties at this time. 

          In fact, all of us, when we make life choices, do not know the consequences of our decisions. We think of a couple about to get married. They take their vows: for better or for worse; in sickness and in health; for rich or for poor. We hope for the best, we make plans, but we simply do not know what life is going to hand us. This is also true, of course, for priests. We kneel before the bishop after ordination, and we place our hands in his and promise obedience to him and his successors. We don’t know who the successors are going to be; we don’t know what’s going to be asked of us; we’re giving the church a blank slate. This is the same as married couple gives to each other. In other words, it’s the same situation that Mary faced at this time. 

          There is a beautiful devotion that I love very much. It is the devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa, otherwise known as the Black Madonna. Tradition holds that this icon was originally painted by St. Luke and has a long and interesting history. Of course, Mary’s skin color was not originally painted black, as we see it today, but instead it became black through constant exposure of candles burning underneath the icon over the centuries.  Even during all the years of communist rule, the shrine was always active. 

At one point in its history, the monastery and shrine were sacked and the icon was carried off as booty. The invaders slashed Mary’s face. When she was returned to the shrine, restorers did their best to cover up the scratches. Yet despite all efforts, the scratches kept coming back. 

There is so much to learn from this image! Can God possibly be saying something to us in this? Mary is not simply someone who had a vision of an angel and lived happily ever after. When she said yes to God, she also said yes to whatever sufferings God permitted in her life. And she never stops saying yes. I imagine that her message to the people of Poland, and to us in this image is simply this: When you were oppressed, and you pray to me, I suffer with you in addition to praying for you. I bear the scars of my suffering even in heaven, as you will. Sufferings you bore for Christ in this life are your glory. There is no greater gift that you can give someone that to suffer with them out of love. This is why you cannot erase scratches.  Mary invites us, then, to realize that every suffering we go through for having said yes to God has an eternal gift of glory in heaven!

                                                                                Father Gary


47 posted on 12/21/2014 8:28:26 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: All
Reflections from Scott Hahn

The Mystery Kept Secret: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fourth Sunday in Advent

Posted by Dr. Scott Hahn on 12.17.14 |

annunciation botticelli

Readings
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11,16
Psalm 89:2-5,27,29
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

What is announced to Mary in today’s Gospel is the revelation of all that the prophets had spoken. It is, as Paul declares in today’s Epistle, the mystery kept secret since before the foundation of the world (see Ephesians 1:9; 3:3-9).

Mary is the virgin prophesied to bear a son of the house of David (see Isaiah 7:13-14). And nearly every word the angel speaks to her today evokes and echoes the long history of salvation recorded in the Bible.

Mary is hailed as the daughter Jerusalem, called to rejoice that her king, the Lord God, has come into her midst as a mighty savior (see Zephaniah 3:14-17).

The One whom Mary is to bear will be Son of “the Most High” - an ancient divine title first used to describe the God of the priest-king Melchizedek, who brought out bread and wine to bless Abraham at the dawn of salvation history (see Genesis 14:18-19).

He will fulfill the covenant God makes with His chosen one, David, in today’s First Reading. As we sing in today’s Psalm, He will reign forever as highest of the kings of the earth, and He will call God, “my Father.” As Daniel saw the Most High grant everlasting dominion to the Son of Man (see Daniel 4:14; 7:14), His kingdom will have no end.

He is to rule over the house of Jacob - the title God used in making His covenant with Israel at Sinai (see Exodus 19:3), and again used in promising that all nations would worship the God of Jacob (see Isaiah 2:1-5).

Jesus has been made known, Paul says today, to bring all nations to the obedience of faith. We are called with Mary today, to marvel at all that the Lord has done throughout the ages for our salvation. And we too, must respond to this annunciation with humble obedience - that His will be done, that our lives be lived according to His word.


48 posted on 12/21/2014 8:36:10 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: All

4th Sunday of Advent: "The Great Amen!"

 

The Word for Sunday: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122114.cfm

2 Sam 7: 1-5, 8b – 12, 14a, 16

 

Rm 16: 25-27

 

Lk 1: 26-38

 

One of the most beautiful and enduring pieces of music is a grand masterpiece by the English composer George Frideric Handel entitled “The Messiah.”  If you have never heard the entire work done professionally by choir and orchestra buy all means go!  We often think of the great “Hallelujah Chorus.” But, the truth is that glorious choral piece does not come until the last part of the entire work.

 

After sweeping orchestra, chorus and solo parts which begin with the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah, Handel take us from the birth of Christ, to his life, passion, death, resurrection (Hallelujah!) and ends with a grand choral harmony on the second coming. I personally feel the work was inspired.

 

But how would you appropriately end such a masterpiece? With the grand tone of trumpets? Yes, but this timeless work concludes with simply one word – “Amen.” Yet that great Amen goes on for more than four minutes.  As the entire piece concludes, the chorus and orchestra move the listeners with the longest and most uplifting “Amen you can imagine.  I personally feel it’s a fit ending for such a dramatic story – the story of the Incarnation, God’s entrance to our lives:  “Amen – so be it!”  His will is done.

 

This Sunday, our last on the Advent journey towards that great moment when the Word of God is born in time and space, we hear the familiar encounter when Mary, the one “full of grace,” is visited by the Angel Gabriel to seek her cooperation with God’s mysterious plan.  On a human level, we cannot help but wonder what went through Mary’s mind and heart. The Angel as messenger of God, does not pressure or dupe Mary in any way.  He respects her, compliments her, reveals God’s desire and hope, then waits for Mary’s response. The Angel comforts and assures Mary, “Do not be afraid.” What will she say?

 

The Gospels are silent on Mary before she appears on the scene.  We know nothing about her personal life only that she was young, lived in Nazareth and was “betrothed to a man named Joseph.”  Nothing especially outstanding about that, so we can assume that Mary’s hope was to live according to the Jewish custom of her day and that she intended to live a normal, Middle Eastern, Jewish life formed by the sacred law of God. 

 

Mary was clearly surprised by the Angel’s visit.  She was fearful, perhaps more awestruck and confused initially.  Luke implies such in this scene. Which tells us that this moment, this event was entirely the work of God. God took the ordinary and transformed it though his grace to something extraordinary. Yet the true nature of Mary’s hidden sinless character is revealed in her response. Though she was the Immaculate Conception, no one had a clue of that in her time.

 

Mary finally offers her  – “Amen.”  So be it – “may it be done to me according to your word.”  Mary’s great “Amen” in that moment changed the course of human history.  Through her total cooperation with God’s request, Mary opened the door so that God might enter.  Did the Angel smile in response to Mary’s “yes?”  Only she would know.

 

Handel’s “Amen” ended his grand piece with beauty and hope. Mary’s “Amen” began for humanity a new relationship that we could once again be friends with God. Her simple life and trusting faith allowed God to do his grand “Amen.”

 

By contrast, our first reading relates the story of King David, the most honored in Jewish history, who did not live in the obscurity of tiny Nazareth but in the palace of Jerusalem.  When David realized that his comfortable surroundings were grander than where the “ark of God” rested, he desired to do something about it.  But God spoke through the prophet Nathan and reminded King David that God’s desire was not to rest in a physical house but that the Lord “will establish a house for you. . .” and that this “house and your kingdom shall endure forever.”  (2 Sm 7: 16). God’s plans were greater than any house King David might construct.

 

That “house” of David was brought to completion through the line of David and ultimately born in Jesus, the son of Mary.  In Jesus’ conception and birth, God alone will join humanity and divinity forever and that will extend far beyond the line of David to include us and those beyond our time.   

 

So close to Christmas we are busy about many things for sure: mailing last minute Christmas cards or finally getting around to shopping for last minute gifts or final plans on Christmas dinner and family gatherings.  All these are good things.

 

Yet, the readings this last Sunday of Advent offer us a moment to consider God’s intervention or some may say interruption in our daily lives.  Certainly for Mary she consented to something that she couldn’t possibly understand fully.  Like our lives, God’s plan is revealed day by day.  But in the end, we are reminded that it is all God’s work if we allow it to be.  God’s grace may be undeserving but our God thinks we deserve it anyway.

 

Mary’s “Amen” stands as a model for our lives as well.  Where have we seen God operating in our lives this past year?  How often did we say “amen” or did we doubt or decide otherwise?  Christmas is God reaching down to us.  Are we willing to grasp his hand and walk with him?

 

“Amen!” 


49 posted on 12/21/2014 8:44:35 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 48 | View Replies]

To: All
Insight Scoop

Hail, Mary! Tabernacle of God and the Word!

http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Content/Site140/Blog/3581annunciatio_00000002896.jpg

Detail from "The Cestello Annunciation" (1489) by Sandro Botticelli (WikiArt.org)

A Scriptural Reflection on the Readings for Sunday, December 21, 2014, the Fourth Sunday of Advent | Carl E. Olson

Readings:
• 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
• Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
• Rom 16:25-27
• Lk 1:26-38

“Hail! tabernacle of God and the Word. Hail! holy beyond all holy ones. Hail! ark gilded by the Holy Ghost. Hail! unfailing treasure-house of life.”

These words from the ancient Akathist hymn, a great sixth-century song of praise for the mystery of the Incarnation, poetically summarize the Marian themes in today’s readings. The Theotokos—the Mother of God—is the dwelling place of God, the “container of the Uncontainable God,” and “the womb of God enfleshed.”

Many of the early Church fathers spoke of Mary as the new ark of the covenant. “Mary, in whom the Lord himself has just made his dwelling,” the Catechism remarks, “is the daughter of Zion in person, the ark of the covenant, the place where the glory of the Lord dwells” (par. 2676). The ark of the covenant, described in Exodus 25, was a gold-plated wooden chest containing holy objects, including some manna, Aaron’s rod, and a copy of the covenant between God and Israel (Heb. 9:4-5). Its lid, the mercy seat, was made of gold and adorned with two cherubim, representing the throne of God.

For a long time the ark was kept in a mobile tabernacle. Eventually, as we hear in today’s first reading, King David desired to build a permanent house, or temple, for the ark. In responding to David, the Lord made clear that the only one who could build an everlasting house for God is God himself; he promised to eventually “raise up” an heir who would establish an everlasting throne and kingdom.

The raising up of an heir was realized in the coming down of the Son through the mystery of the Incarnation—“the mystery kept secret for long ages,” in the words of Saint Paul. The King of kings and Lord of lords rested within the throne of a womb; the Creator of all things visible was carried, invisible, within the Virgin; the Conqueror of sin and death was kept and concealed within the Blessed Mother.

“Hail! O you who have become a kingly Throne. Hail! O you who carries Him Who carries all! Hail, O Star who manifests the Sun. Hail! O Womb of the Divine Incarnation!”

Mary, created without sin, finding favor with God, and accepting in faith the call of the Lord, became a living, breathing ark of the covenant. “Full of grace, Mary is wholly given over to him who has come to dwell in her and whom she is about to give to the world” (CCC 2676). As God once dwelt in the tabernacle among a nomadic people, he now comes to dwell, through a singular woman, among men—pilgrims journeying toward their heavenly home. “For the first time in the plan of salvation and because his Spirit had prepared her, the Father found the dwelling place where his Son and his Spirit could dwell among men” (CCC 721).

David longed to build a temple and his son Solomon did build the temple, but only God could and did create a sinless, human temple.

Only God, because of his power and love, could become so small and humble so that he might save us. It is God who reaches out, who dwells among man, who becomes flesh and blood for our sake. Nothing, the angel Gabriel explains to the young Jewish virgin, “will be impossible for God.”

“May it be done to me according to your word.” With those words, Mary demonstrated the proper response to God, bursting with quiet faith and trusting reception. Opening herself to God’s word, she was filled with the Word who is God. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she became the throne of God.

"Behold,” exclaims the Akathist hymn, “heaven was brought down to earth when the Word Himself was fully contained in you! Now that I see Him in your womb, taking a servant’s form, I cry out to you in wonder: Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!” During Christmas we cry out in wonder at the work of God and the faith of his mother.

(This "Opening the Word" column originally appeared in the December 21, 2008, edition of Our Sunday Visitor newspaper.)


50 posted on 12/21/2014 8:49:13 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 49 | View Replies]

To: Salvation
Regnum Christi

“God Is with You”
U. S. A. | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY
December 21, 2014. Sunday of the Fourth Week of Advent



Luke 1:26-38


The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I know by faith that these are some of the most important moments of my day. I freely open my mind, heart and will for you to do as you please, because I know you can desire and do only what is good for me. I know that you will give me the grace to do whatever you ask of me and that you will always accompany me. That is enough for me.

Petition: Lord, give me the grace to do your holy will.

1. Pleasing God through the Small, Daily Tasks: The angel Gabriel finds Mary doing nothing extraordinary, but rather doing ordinary tasks like washing clothes, sweeping, getting water, doing the same daily prayer as every devout Jew. But in doing the ordinary she is doing what is pleasing to God. Her example should be our guide. Work can be an ordinary means of holiness. Man, as Pope Saint John Paul II said, “not only transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves fulfillment as a human being and indeed, in a sense, becomes ‘more a human being’” (Laborem Exercens, no. 9). We please God when we do our duties, fulfill our responsibilities, work to meet our basic needs. While we may not be doing something extraordinary at every moment, we still praise and glorify God when we undertake the ordinary with love. If an angel were to come looking for me, would he find me doing my daily tasks lovingly?

2. “Do Not Be Afraid” - Mary “was greatly troubled and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” When God presents us with his plan, we too might be afraid. We may not fully understand what he has in mind. It can seem that his plan is too great for us. But when God wants something from us, he shows us that it is not beyond our reach. As with Mary at the Incarnation, God will make it happen and will provide all the grace necessary for its completion.

3. “May It Be Done to Me According to Your Word” - When Gabriel clarifies Mary’s mission and illustrates that with God all things are possible, Mary makes an act of faith. Her act of faith is what the Second Vatican Council terms the “obedience of faith.” ‘The obedience of faith’ ‘is to be given to God who reveals, an obedience by which man commits his whole self freely to God, offering the full submission of intellect and will to God who reveals,’ and freely assenting to the truth revealed by Him” (Dei Verbum, 5). God supplied Mary with his grace and did not abandon her; nor will he abandon us. When we do what God wants and cooperate with his plan, he will support us. He will accompany us as we carry out his will and bring his plan to fulfillment. God’s will is our holiness, and when we do his will we help God to make us saints.

Conversation with Mary: Mary, teach me how to do God’s will as you did, so that I can remain in his company. I want to do his will, even though at times I know that it may seem difficult or impossible. Ask your son for the grace of perseverance for me so that I, too, may cooperate with the Lord, whether he is asking something of me that is ordinary or extraordinary.

Resolution: In a difficult situation, I will pray a “Hail Mary,” asking Mary for help in being faithful.

By Father Robert DeCesare, LC


51 posted on 12/21/2014 8:54:59 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 50 | View Replies]

To: All

How to Find the Heart of Peace

shutterstock_142699072 

December 21, 2014
Fourth Sunday of Advent
First Reading: 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122114.cfm

Peace is such an elusive state of mind. Many times we pray for peace, talk about peace, read about peace, only to fall back into being overwhelmed by the distractions, sorrows and sheer work of being human. This is why we find prayer so difficult. The very first steps of prayer—finding a quiet place, then quieting down our minds so they do not drown out the voice of God—often seem like insurmountable obstacles, cliffs too high to climb. In this Sunday’s first reading from 2 Samuel, David receives a significant promise from the Lord involving peace, the Temple and the everlasting reign of his son, which reveals the very heart of peace: worship.

The Context of Combat

Before he was a king, David was a warrior. He led a band of armed men around the wilderness, fought skirmishes with rival factions and other enemies, and made a name for himself as a warlord. He climbed from his humble roots as a boy shepherd to being the warring king of Israel. Even after his accession to the throne, the early years of his reign were dominated by combat. David’s combat set the stage for his reign, but it also set up something else: peace. Several times our reading emphasizes David’s “rest” from his enemies. Once David has fought hard and obtained victory as a warrior, he establishes peace, rest, quiet. The wars have been fought and now he can truly rest.

What is Peace, Anyway?

Our picture of the optimum state of rest would probably humor the ancient king. We might envision him coming home from a hard day of attacking walled cities to sit on his recliner, kick off his shoes and watch some football. But David does not see peace as an opportunity for self-indulgence. Instead, he views it as a chance for worship. The first thing he wants to do is build something, to build a Temple for the true worship of God. We should notice his instincts. Peace isn’t just about relaxing or temporarily resting in order to be ready for more combat. Peace has a purpose, a goal and that goal is worship.

Solomon and Jesus

David wants to build a Temple, but the Lord actually prevents him and designates his heir as the one who will build it. Why? Elsewhere, in 1 Chr 28:3, we learn that David is not allowed to build the Temple because he is a “man of war” who has shed blood. Temple-building is a peaceful project, one to be undertaken by a man of peace, namely, David’s son Solomon. Solomon will be the one who fulfills 2 Sam 7:13, “He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever” (RSV). This verse and a few others that indicate Solomon himself are omitted from the Lectionary reading in order to focus our attention on the “True Solomon,” the true man of peace, the Son of David par excellence: Jesus himself.

In the Gospel for today, the angel tells Mary, “the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33). Jesus is the one who will ultimately bring the Lord’s promise to David of an everlasting throne to fulfillment. The line of Davidic kings eventually fails. After the Babylonians conquer Judah, no more sons of David will reign in Jerusalem on a literal throne. But Jesus, who truly is descended from David, will take up the promise and reign over not only all Israel, but the whole world as the Davidic king. The covenant that the Lord establishes with David will not fail, but come to fruition. While in one sense, this reading is forecasting the coming reign of Solomon, in another, it is opening our eyes to see the Messiah.

The Temple

This reading focuses deeply on the Temple. The Temple in the Old Testament is a permanent sanctuary which replaces the old tabernacle of Moses. It is the central, official place where God is worshipped. But when Jesus comes, he “builds a temple” like Solomon did, but this time, it is the “temple of his body” (John 2:21). Jesus’ body is the new location where God is worshipped. That idea takes on two different dimensions in the New Testament: we worship the body of Christ in the Eucharist and we become the body of Christ by virtue of baptism. We become “members” (as in parts of the body), and “living stones” who make up the Temple of God (see 1 Cor 3:16, 12:12; Eph 2:21; 1 Pet 2:5). Jesus, as the new David, does combat with the forces of evil, sin, and death. But as the new Solomon, he builds a temple for us to worship God in. He acts as a king, establishing the context of peace in which we can then truly build a relationship with God, loving him in rightly-ordered worship.

Perhaps the two stages of temple-building can help us find a path to prayer. First, we must do “combat” with the world around us—fiercely fighting off distraction, scheduling in the time, finding a quiet location. Second, then we can “build a temple” as we recollect ourselves, free our minds from all the things that normally occupy us, and begin to allow our hearts to settle on Him. Then we can find “rest from our enemies” and “dwell in our own place” and “be disturbed no more” (see 2 Sam 7:10) as we relate to God in authentic worship. Walking that path, we can find for ourselves not just peace of heart, but what lies at the heart of peace.


52 posted on 12/21/2014 9:00:13 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: All

Scripture Speaks: Hail, Full of Grace

shutterstock_43156483 

On this last Sunday in Advent, an angel startles a young woman in Nazareth. What was old, and what was new in his message to her?

Gospel (Read Lk 1:26-38)

How many times have we heard this Scripture read? If it is very familiar to us, we should make the effort to hear it now with fresh ears. Perhaps we can do that by trying to imagine what it was like for Mary to have this conversation with Gabriel as it happened in history.

First, we need a word about Mary. Pope Benedict XVI once described her as a woman deeply imbued with the Word of God in Holy Scripture. Reflecting on her Magnificat, he wrote: “Here we see how completely at home Mary is with the Word of God, with what ease she moves in and out of it. She speaks and thinks with the Word of God; the Word of God becomes her word, and her word issues from the Word of God” (Deus Caritas Est, 41). It is good for us to think about what the Pope says here about Mary. She knew the Old Testament inside and out! To understand her reaction to the visit from Gabriel, we will need to understand how many Scriptural promises are being fulfilled in this one humble scene in Nazareth. None of this would have been lost on Mary, but if we don’t know our Old Testament, it might be lost on us. To avoid that, consider these points:

(1) In Israel’s history, it was the angel, Gabriel, who explained to the prophet, Daniel (about 6th century B.C.), the events that would accompany the Messiah’s coming (see Dan. 9:21-27). Gabriel gave Daniel a timetable for the Messiah’s appearance, which worked out to be just about the time he surprised Mary with his visit. It was Gabriel who foretold the timing of the Messiah’s coming; it was Gabriel who now delivers the message of His arrival in Jesus.

(2) Gabriel greets Mary in an unusual way: “Hail, full of grace!” The last woman on earth to be “full of grace” was Eve, “the mother of all living” (read Gen 3:20). No wonder Mary was “greatly troubled…and pondered what sort of greeting this might be”! When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the supernatural grace they received when God created them died. From that moment on, mankind’s only hope would be the appearance of “the woman” and “her seed” (read Gen 3:15) through whom God promised to defeat His enemy, the serpent. Mary knew, from Scripture, that a grace-filled woman and son would make all the difference in human history. She hears from Gabriel that she is that woman.

(3) Gabriel tells Mary that she is to have a son who “will be called Son of the Most High and the LORD God will give him the throne of David his father…and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary would have recognized this as an almost word-for-word fulfillment of the covenant promises God made to David, king of Israel, about nine centuries earlier (more on this as we reflect on our First Reading). It had taken a long time, but Gabriel’s message assures Mary that God was now keeping those promises.

(4) Mary is puzzled about the “how” of this event, as described by Gabriel. If she had simply been a young woman betrothed to a man of David’s lineage (as Joseph was), there is nothing to stump her here. However, it appears that Mary had vowed her virginity to God and did not intend to have conjugal relations with Joseph. Early in the history of Christianity, it was suggested that Mary had indeed vowed herself to God at a young age, probably planning to devote herself to prayer at the Temple, like the prophetess Anna in the New Testament (read Lk 2:36-38). She would have needed a protector to care for her needs but who was also willing to honor her vow of virginity. Joseph was that man. If this was the scenario into which Gabriel appeared, Mary’s question makes perfect sense. It also suggests that up to this moment, Mary had a plan for how she would live out her deep and unusual life with God. With the angel’s announcement, that plan was turned inside out (the list of Old Testament characters for whom this was also true is too long to mention here). Hers was to be a physically fruitful virginity.

5) Gabriel explains to Mary that the power of the Most High will “overshadow” her, and she would conceive a Child who would be the holy Son of God. “Overshadow” is exactly the word used in the Greek version of Ex 40:35 to describe how Yahweh “overshadowed” the Tabernacle, making it His dwelling in Israel. This language would surely have made Mary incredulous. A son would be conceived in her body by the Holy Spirit? God’s own Son? See that Gabriel reads her incredulity: “Nothing will be impossible for God.” Being a woman of Scripture, Mary would have been put in mind of Sarah and Hannah by these words, women of great faith in the Old Testament who also conceived children miraculously. Mary would have known by heart the words of an angel about Sarah’s “impossible” conception, nearly 2000 years earlier: “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (read Gen 18:14)

(6) Look at Mary’s response: “May it be done to me according to your word.” Here she chooses to submit to God’s plan for her life with Him, letting go of her own. In doing so, she had to embrace the possibility of misunderstanding and even shame associated with seemingly breaking her vow of virginity. In Eden, Eve listened to the fallen angel’s lie about God, as he made her feel weak and duped if she believed God’s Word. Not wanting the shame that he suggested comes with dependency on God, she chose to disobey. Mary’s “yes” opened her to a world of complications! However, when she chose God’s way over her own, on the spot she became the new Eve—“the woman” whose “seed” would crush the head of the serpent, once for all.

Think about this amazing scene. How much it fulfills and foretells! Yet all of it reminds us of this one great fact: God keeps His promises. What good news to people like us, who are waiting in Advent to see the Lord, Who has promised to come to us and not leave us orphans. He will not disappoint.

Possible Response: Blessed Mother Mary, pray that I will trust that surrendering to the Father’s will is the whole point of my existence this day.

First Reading (Read 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16)

These verses describe the occasion upon which God made a covenant with David, King of Israel. David was “a man after God’s own heart,” as he is described in Scripture. When he took the throne (about 1010 B.C.), he wanted to build a “house,” or permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. God had other plans, however. God wanted to build a “house,” or dynasty, for David. Remember that when the people of Israel begged for a king to rule over them, their desire actually represented a lack of faith. They already had a king—God Himself. The covenant He made with them on Mt. Sinai was to be their rule of life, and God agreed to be their protector and defender as long as they were faithful to that covenant.

The people, however, insisted on having a king like all the other nations around them. After one false start, with King Saul, God found in David a man who loved Him above everything. So, here God makes outrageous promises to David that would ultimately lead to Him dwelling in flesh and blood in the midst of His people. Israel would indeed have God as their king—in Jesus, a descendant of David. See that these words describing the king as God’s own Son and His rule as eternal are the ones Gabriel used in his message to Mary. This promise from God about the throne of David hung in Israel’s air for hundreds of years.

On a day in Nazareth, it finally reaches fulfillment.

Possible response: Heavenly Father, let me never forget Your great desire to live as King among Your people, the Church. You want to be with us as much as we want to be with You!

Psalm (Read Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29)

The psalmist here extols both the promises and faithfulness of God, because He is One whose “kindness is established forever” in the covenant He made with David. It is God Who will “confirm” and “establish” the throne of David “for all generations.” Jesus ascended to that throne at the Ascension. He rules in kindness now and forever. These words were written in anticipation of a king who would call God “My Father.” We now live in its reality, and, especially in Advent, we await its fulfillment. As we wait, let the words of the responsorial be our song of praise: “For ever I will sing the goodness of the LORD.”

Possible response: The psalm is, itself, a response to our other readings. Read it again prayerfully to make it your own.

Second Reading (Read Rom 16:25-27)

These verses come toward the end of St. Paul’s epistle to the Romans, and they describe something vitally important for us as we wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises. See that St. Paul tells us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed now “according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested through the prophetic writings.” This means that God, from the beginning, always had a surprising plan for His Creation, but “for long ages” it was kept secret (like the “secret magic” of Narnia). God was pleased to reveal it very slowly, through the prophetic writings of Holy Scripture and their eventual fulfillment. God is not afraid of time. Even when millennia pass by, and no one can figure out what He is doing, God is at work moving everything forward to completion. What is the point of all this forward motion? St. Paul tells us that the Gospel is being preached “to all nations” in order to “bring about the obedience of faith.” God’s plan is for us to obey Him because we trust Him (just as it was for Adam and Eve). He knows that obedience that comes from faith is the true source of our own happiness.

So, today, when we ponder Mary’s act of obedience that comes from her faith in God, we know we are on the brink of great joy. When the Son promised to her here eventually enters another Garden (Gethsemane) and obeys His Father because of His faith, our joy will know no bounds.

For now, however, we must patiently wait. The Secret is about to be born!

Possible Response: Heavenly Father, I am not a patient person. Please teach me to wait for Your work with joy instead of anxiety or a blank mind.


53 posted on 12/21/2014 9:02:08 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 52 | View Replies]

To: All
One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Español

All Issues > Volume 31, Issue 1

<< Sunday, December 21, 2014 >> Fourth Sunday of Advent
 
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
Romans 16:25-27

View Readings
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Luke 1:26-38

Similar Reflections
 

A "MARY," MERRY CHRISTMAS

 
"Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be...?' " —Luke 1:34
 

To have a true Christmas, to meet Christ at Mass in a new, glorious way during the Christmas season, we must have a "Mary" Christmas and love Jesus as Mary does. To have a "Mary" Christmas, we should:

  • not fear (Lk 1:30),
  • be filled with God's grace (Lk 1:30),
  • have "the Holy Spirit...come upon" us (Lk 1:35),
  • believe that "nothing is impossible with God" (Lk 1:37),
  • rejoice in being the Lord's servants, that is, the slaves of the Lord (Lk 1:38),
  • "let it be done" to us according to God's Word (Lk 1:38),
  • trust "that the Lord's words" to us will "be fulfilled" (Lk 1:45),
  • proclaim "the greatness of the Lord" and find "joy in God" our Savior (Lk 1:46-47),
  • "be pierced with a sword" of sorrow (Lk 2:35),
  • "do whatever [Jesus] tells" us and tell others to do the same (Jn 2:5),
  • be at the foot of Jesus' cross (Jn 19:25), and
  • together devote ourselves to constant prayer for a new Pentecost (Acts 1:14).

A "Mary" Christmas is a Christmas of faith, joy, self-sacrifice, obedience, evangelistic zeal, redemptive suffering, praise-filled worship, and constant prayer in the Holy Spirit.

"Mary" Christmas!

 
Prayer: Prayer: Jesus, may You get what You want for Christmas.
Promise: "The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness." —Ps 89:2
Praise: "O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of Justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death."

54 posted on 12/21/2014 9:45:16 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: All

Prayer to End Abortions

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life, and for the lives of all my brothers and sisters. I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion, yet I rejoice that You have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son. I am ready to do my part in ending abortion. Today I commit myself NEVER to be silent, NEVER to be passive, NEVER to be forgetful of the unborn. I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement, and never to stop defending life until all my brothers and sisters are protected, and our nation once again becomes a nation with liberty and justice not just for some, but for all, through Christ our Lord. Amen!


55 posted on 12/21/2014 9:47:11 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 54 | View Replies]

To: All

http://resources.sainteds.com/showmedia.asp?media=../sermons/homily/2014-12-21-Homily%20Fr%20Gary.mp3&ExtraInfo=0&BaseDir=../sermons/homily


56 posted on 12/25/2014 5:00:29 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-56 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson