The first reading from Micah portrays a prophecy about the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem who will shepherd and bring peace to Israel, emphasizing the humble beginnings and majestic destiny of the Messiah.
This foretelling places emphasis on God’s plan being anchored in humility and divine selection. The second reading from Hebrews reflects on the inefficacy of traditional sacrifices and underscores the need for Christ’s willing sacrifice to accomplish God’s will. It presents Jesus as embodying obedience and self-offering for sanctification, drawing our attention towards a shift from ritualistic traditions to personal commitment and fulfillment of divine purpose.
On Monday December 9 we celebrated The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I work at a Catholic High School in Fort Lauderdale. I get the awesome opportunity to assist at a school mass every month. On this Solemnity I assisted at a mass with over 1200 in attendance. The students are mostly worried about SATs and mid-term exams this week. The message from the
priest’s homily was simple. Remember Mary’s fiat to the Angel Gabriel “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your word.” Maybe that’s what we need to do this season… give God our fiat.
Tell God that we are His servants and that He can use us to do His will on Earth. God will bless us with an abundance of joy. If we put God first in all we do this Advent and Christmas season, he will bring us the joy among believers he promises in Luke’s message.
In the Gospel reading from Luke, we witness an intimate moment of recognition at the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth. As John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth’s womb, Elizabeth pronounces blessings upon Mary, calling attention to Mary’s faith and the unborn Jesus’ significance. The narrative highlights joy, acknowledgment, and fulfillment in God’s promises through both women’s experiences.
I find this gospel reading particularly joyful and calming in this busy time as we await Christmas. When I was in the Army I served our tours in South Korea. Christmas was a lonely time of year for all the soldiers I served with. But I remember a Catholic Chaplain who gave me a lesson on loneliness. While we
delivered presents to orphanages, he told me to focus on their suffering and on their loneliness. If I do that, I would become dependent on God through prayer and he would relieve my loneliness and bring me great hope and joy just when I needed it most.