Fourth Sunday of Advent – Year C
Sunday, December 22, 2024
The themes of humility, hope, and faith are the focus of the Readings for this Fourth Sunday in Advent, the final preparation for the celebration of the imminent birth of Jesus Christ. The First Reading is from the Book of Micah, a prophet from the 8th century BC who was a contemporary of the prophet Isaiah. Micah prophesied about the coming of a ruler in Israel from the humble town of Bethlehem who shall bring peace, the origins of the Messiah. In our second Reading, St. Paul, who is believed to be the author of the Letter to the Hebrews, emphasizes that the old sacrificial practices are insufficient and that Christ came to fulfill God’s will of bringing salvation to the people. Finally, in our Gospel reading, St. Luke recounts the Blessed Virgin Mary’s visit to be with St. Elizabeth for the final months of pregnancy. The Readings collectively invite us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ and to reflect on how God works through the lowly and the unexpected as instruments of His divine plan to bring peace and shepherd His people.
The Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God. Mary’s relative, Elizabeth, is from a priestly lineage as a descendent of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and was married to Zechariah, a priest. Although Elizabeth had been barren, she is now miraculously six months pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary traveled to Judea to help and support Elizabeth during her pregnancy. Upon her arrival, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized the presence of Christ in Mary’s womb. John the Baptist, still in Elizabeth’s womb, leapt for joy! This moment highlights the connection between the two pregnancies and the significant roles of Mary, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist in salvation history. The story of Mary’s visitation exemplifies the belief in God’s promises and serves as a model for us to reach out to those in need with a spirit of compassion and charity.
Bible scholars drew parallels between the Ark of the Covenant of the Old Testament and the Virgin Mary, who is preparing to give birth to our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Ark of the Covenant, as described in the Scriptures, was a sacred container that held the remains of tablets of the Law, fragments of the manna from heaven, and Aaron’s rod. The Ark and its contents symbolize God’s covenant and provision for His people. The Ark was carried with great reverence, and King David danced before it when it was brought to Jerusalem, rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. More than a mere relic, it was a powerful symbol of God’s love and fidelity to His people. Mary, as a young woman from Nazareth who was chosen to carry within her the Son of God, became the New Ark of the Covenant. Just as David danced before the Ark, John the Baptist danced in Elizabeth’s womb in joy in the presence of our Savior in Mary’s womb. This connection enriches our understanding of Mary’s role in salvation history and invites us to contemplate our own call to be vessels of God’s presence in the world.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.