4th Sunday of Advent Year A: Emmanuel - God With Us

 

What is Advent?

We are now in the holy season of Advent where we prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time.  It is a spiritual period to meditate on these two mysteries and prepare for them.  We use the wreath and 4 candles to mark the 4 weeks before Christmas.  

Three of the candles are purple and one is rose or pink.  The purple symbolizes preparation through penance and prayer.  Purple is also used during Lent.  Another way to see it is purple is a physical sign of healing. When we get hurt, the injury becomes purple.  During the time of healing, it remains purple until it clears up.  Sin hurts us and we need time to heal from it by using the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, Prayer, Fasting, Indulgences, and genuine Spiritual life.  

The rose/pink is for the third Sunday or Gaudete Sunday which means "Sunday of Joy."   We are joyous because we are getting closer to Christ's birth.  As each week goes on, we light the candle that corresponds to that week.

 Reflection on the Catholic Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year A) – December 21, 2025

On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, just days before Christmas, the Church's readings draw us deeply into the mystery of the Incarnation: God becoming one of us to dwell among us. The theme resounding through the Scriptures is "Emmanuel" – God with us – a promise of divine presence, faithfulness, and salvation fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

 First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14

The Lord offers King Ahaz a sign of any magnitude – "deep as the netherworld or high as the sky" – to reassure him amid threats to his kingdom. Ahaz refuses out of false piety, but God provides the sign anyway: "The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel." 

This prophecy, spoken in a moment of political crisis, reveals God's initiative. He does not abandon His people in fear or doubt; instead, He breaks into history with an unimaginable gift – a child born of a virgin, signifying that God Himself will be with us. In our own lives, we often face uncertainties like Ahaz, hesitant to ask for or accept God's signs. Yet this reading reminds us that God's promises do not depend on our perfection; they flow from His unwavering love.

 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1-6

"Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory." This psalm calls us to prepare a worthy dwelling for the Lord – clean hands and pure hearts. As we approach Christmas, it echoes the Advent call to readiness: Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Those who seek His face. In light of Emmanuel's coming, we are invited to open our hearts, making room for the King who humbly enters not as a conqueror, but as a child.

 Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7

St. Paul opens his letter with a profound summary of the Gospel: Jesus Christ, descended from David according to the flesh, declared Son of God in power by His resurrection. Through Him, we receive grace and are called to belong to Jesus – to the "obedience of faith." 

Paul's greeting underscores that Christmas is not merely a sentimental story but the fulfillment of ancient promises, bringing us into divine sonship. We are "beloved of God... called to be holy." This reading bridges the Old Testament prophecy with the New, showing how Jesus embodies God's faithfulness across generations.

 Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

Matthew narrates the birth of Jesus from Joseph's perspective. Discovering Mary's pregnancy, the righteous Joseph plans a quiet divorce to spare her shame. But an angel appears in a dream: "Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home... She will bear a son... and they shall name him Emmanuel." Joseph awakens and obeys, becoming the faithful guardian of the Holy Family.

Joseph emerges as a model of trust and obedience. Faced with scandal and confusion, he listens to God and acts with quiet courage. His "yes" complements Mary's fiat, showing that God's plan often disrupts our expectations yet invites us into something greater. In naming the child Jesus ("God saves") and Emmanuel, the Gospel ties directly to Isaiah, confirming that this child is the divine sign – God truly with us.

 Personal Reflection

These readings, on the cusp of Christmas, challenge us to move from waiting to welcoming. Ahaz's refusal contrasts sharply with Joseph's acceptance, reminding us that faith involves risk and surrender. In a world full of noise and distraction, do we, like Joseph, create silence to hear God's voice – perhaps in prayer, Scripture, or the unexpected events of life?

Emmanuel is not a distant promise but a present reality. God is with us in our joys and struggles, in the Eucharist, in the Church, and in the faces of those around us. As Advent ends, may we echo Joseph's obedience and Paul's call to holiness, preparing our hearts as a manger for the Christ Child. This Christmas, let us rejoice: God has not left us alone. He has come to save and dwell with us forever.

Come, Lord Jesus! Emmanuel, be with us today and always.

The Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe: History, Science, Devotion, Myths, and Evidence

The Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe: History, Science, Devotion, Myths, and Evidence

 Introduction: A Perpetual Sign of Divine Maternal Love

The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, miraculously imprinted on the tilma of Saint Juan Diego in December 1531, endures as one of the most profound and scientifically intriguing religious artifacts in history. This sacred icon depicts the Virgin Mary with mestizo features—dark skin, black hair, and indigenous attire elements—standing upon a crescent moon, enveloped in a starry mantle and radiant sun rays, supported by an angel. Enshrined in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, the world's most visited Catholic shrine, it attracts over 20 million pilgrims annually.

Rooted in apparitions on Tepeyac Hill—a site of pre-Christian significance—the events transformed the evangelization of the Americas. The primary narrative, the Nican Mopohua in classical Nahuatl, details Mary's appearances to Juan Diego, her request for a shrine, and the miraculous sign of winter roses culminating in her image on his agave-fiber tilma.

The Catholic Church approves the devotion fully: Saint Juan Diego's canonization in 2002 by Pope John Paul II affirmed the apparitions' authenticity, declaring Guadalupe the "Patroness of the Americas" and "Star of Evangelization." While the Church emphasizes spiritual fruits—mass conversions, cultural unity, ongoing miracles of healing and hope—it views the tilma's anomalies as signs fostering faith, without dogmatically declaring every scientific claim miraculous.

Scientific studies reveal puzzling aspects: extraordinary preservation, unidentified pigmentation, lack of brushstrokes in the core image, and intricate ocular reflections. Balanced examination distinguishes confirmed anomalies from exaggerated myths (e.g., NASA endorsements). This comprehensive essay explores the historical account, symbolic theology, scientific evidence, Church position, debunked claims, and enduring impact.

 Historical Narrative: The Apparitions in the Nican Mopohua

The Nican Mopohua ("Here It Is Told"), a poetic Nahuatl text attributed to Antonio Valeriano (c. 1556) and published in 1649 by Luis Laso de la Vega, provides the foundational account. This elegant narrative, blending indigenous literary style with Christian theology, chronicles five apparitions from December 9-12, 1531.

Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, a 57-year-old Chichimec convert from Cuautitlán, hears heavenly music on Tepeyac Hill and encounters a radiant lady speaking Nahuatl. She identifies as "the Perfect Virgin Holy Mary, Mother of the True God" and requests a temple for showing mercy to the afflicted.

Juan Diego informs Bishop Juan de Zumárraga, who demands a sign. Amid his uncle Juan Bernardino's grave illness, Mary appears again, assuring healing and directing him to gather Castilian roses—impossible in frozen December—on the hilltop.

Arranging them in his tilma, Mary sends him to the bishop. Unfolding it, roses fall, revealing her image. Simultaneously, she heals Juan Bernardino, naming herself "Santa María de Guadalupe."

Symbolism inculturated the Gospel: mestizo features dignified natives; crescent moon overcame Aztec deities; pregnancy belt proclaimed life; starry mantle evoked divine queenship.

This catalyzed unprecedented conversions: 8-9 million indigenous in decades, peaceful and profound. Early inquiries, including the 1666 Informaciones Jurídicas—collecting testimonies from elders affirming tradition—solidified historicity. The 1666 proceedings, reviewing artists, physicians, and indigenous accounts, confirmed continuous veneration and Juan Diego's virtuous life.

Critics note documentation gaps, but consensus upholds the Nican Mopohua's authenticity and transformative role.

 The Tilma: Material Composition and Unexplained Preservation

The tilma, a coarse ayate cloak of maguey (agave popotule) fibers, normally decays in 20-60 years due to organic vulnerability. Yet, after 494 years, it remains intact with vibrant colors, defying entropy.

Unprotected for 116 years (1531-1647), exposed to candle smoke, incense, humidity, salt air from nearby Lake Texcoco, and constant pilgrim touch, it survived:

- 1785: Nitric acid spill damaged the frame but left the tilma unmarked.

- 1791: Acid exposure reportedly self-repaired.

- 1921: A bomb exploded nearby, bending a brass crucifix, shattering marble, and breaking windows—but sparing the tilma and its glass.

Material analyses confirm agave fibers, though early debates suggested hemp/linen blends. Replicas deteriorate rapidly.

Dr. Philip S. Callahan's 1979 infrared study (published 1981) found the original image unfaded, while later additions (rays, moon, crown) faded—indicating unique resilience. Dr. Aldofo Orozco (2009) stated no scientific explanation for preservation amid stressors.

This endurance, acknowledged even skeptically as anomalous, stands as the most substantiated miraculous feature.

 Image Formation and Pigmentation: Anomalies Beyond Human Technique

The core image (face, hands, mantle, robe) lacks brushstrokes, underdrawings, sizing, or priming—typical for 16th-century art on rough fabric.

Callahan's infrared photography distinguished human additions (faded, layered) from the original (direct on fibers, unfaded). Pigments unidentified: not animal, vegetable, mineral, or known synthetics. Colors iridescent, shifting with light/distance for realistic depth.

The image aligns seamlessly across the tilma's central seam, avoiding facial distortion—an improbable feat manually.

Callahan concluded the original defies conventional painting: "no way to explain the quality of the pigments used... or the maintenance of color luminosity."

While additions confirm human intervention, the primary figure's formation remains unexplained.

 The Eyes: Ophthalmological Intricacies and Digital Discoveries

The eyes (8mm diameter) fascinate most. Early magnification (1929-1950s) revealed a bearded man; ophthalmologists noted Purkinje-Sanson triple reflections and corneal curvature matching living eyes—unknown in 1531 art.

José Aste Tönsmann's 1970s-1990s digital enhancements (2,500x magnification) identified up to 13 figures: Juan Diego unfolding the tilma, Bishop Zumárraga, interpreter Juana de la Cruz, others—including a family group. Figures vary proportionally by eye angle, undistorted by fabric weave.

Tönsmann theorized a "snapshot" of the room scene. While pareidolia or additions suggested, microscopic human-like precision challenges replication.

 Symbolic Codex: Evangelization Through Indigenous Imagery

The image functions as a visual catechism:

- Mestizo features: Inculturation, affirming native dignity post-conquest.

- Crescent moon: Victory over lunar deities.

- Starry mantle: 46 stars matching 1531 solstice sky (per Rojas Sánchez).

- Sun rays: Surpassing solar worship.

- Pregnancy brooch/belt: Mother bearing God.

- Angel: Heavenly support.

- Flowers/glyphs: Nahuatl encodings of divinity/life.

Aztec readers "read" the Gospel silently, facilitating conversions.

 Additional Phenomena: Stars, Temperature, and Interpretations

Mantle stars align with December 12, 1531, constellations over Mexico (viewed inversely, as from heaven).

Anecdotal claims: constant 36.6-37°C temperature (Callahan, unverified); musical notes from flowers/stars; golden ratio proportions.

These enhance symbolism but lack universal confirmation.

 Survival Incidents: Bomb, Acid, and Environmental Stress

Beyond daily exposure, documented events:

- 1921 bomb: Devastated surroundings; tilma/glass untouched.

- Acid spills (1785, 1791): No damage or self-repair.

These reinforce preservation anomaly.

 Myths and Exaggerations: Fact-Checking Popular Claims

Viral claims often overstated:

- NASA "living" image/pulse/temperature: False; no NASA study. Callahan (NASA consultant) noted anecdotal temperature; no official endorsement.

- Colors floating above fabric: Unsubstantiated.

- Pupil contraction: Not observed.

- Unknown material/pigments impossible: Agave identified; pigments unidentified but natural possible.

- Exact star map/solstice: Interpretive coincidence.

Snopes, Magis Center, Knights of Columbus debunk these. Human additions and limited testing noted.

 Key Scientific Examinations: Timeline and Findings

- 1751-1756: Artists (Cabrera) conclude non-human.

- 1936: Kuhn finds no known pigments.

- 1950s: Ophthalmologists confirm eye reflections.

- 1979: Callahan infrared—no brushstrokes original, unidentified pigments.

- 1980s-1990s: Tönsmann digital eyes.

- 2009: Orozco—no preservation explanation.

Reverence limits invasive tests.

 The Catholic Church's Official Position

The Church approves apparitions via:

- 1666 Informaciones leading to feast approval.

- 1754: Proper Mass/Office.

- 1895: Coronation.

- 1935: Patroness of Mexico.

- 1945-1946: Patroness of Americas.

- 2002: Juan Diego canonization.

Popes (24 total) honor her; John Paul II: "completely beyond scientific explanations" in spiritual sense. Focus: Maternal intercession, evangelization, life protection.

No requirement to believe specific anomalies; fruits prove authenticity.

 Theological Reflection: Mary as Universal Mother

Guadalupe reveals Mary's inculturated motherhood: appearing indigenous amid oppression, she crushes evil (Rev 12), births Christ in hearts.

Her words—"Am I not here, who am your Mother?"—comfort marginalized, echoing Magnificat humility.

In pro-life devotion, her pregnancy symbolizes unborn protection.

 Modern Devotion and Global Impact

Guadalupe symbolizes Mexican identity, justice (Chávez), immigration hope. Pilgrimages, matachines dances, feasts unite cultures.

In crises, she intercedes: healings, conversions continue.

Digital age spreads her message worldwide.

 Cultural and Artistic Legacy

From murals to tattoos, her image permeates art. Syncretism debates resolved: pure inculturation.

Hillary Clinton's 2009 misstep ("Who painted it?") highlighted reverence.

 Comparative Analysis: Other Marian Images

Unlike painted icons, Guadalupe's formation unique. Parallels Lourdes/Fatima in conversions.

 Skeptical Perspectives and Responses

Critics (Poole, Nickell) cite late documentation, possible human artistry. Responses: Indigenous testimonies, anomalies persist.

Science-faith dialogue: anomalies invite humility.

 Ongoing Research and Future Studies

Calls for non-destructive analysis (neutron activation). Reverence prioritizes preservation.

 Personal Testimonies and Miracles Attributed

Countless healings, protections reported. Arrow miracle (early): Fatal wound healed under tilma.

 Conclusion: An Eternal Maternal Embrace

The tilma transcends explanation: historically transformative, scientifically anomalous, devotionally alive. Preservation, formation, eyes intrigue; spiritual impact—unity, hope, Christ-encounter—miraculous.  As Pope Francis affirms, she mothers all, whispering: "Am I not here?"  In division, Guadalupe unites, proving God's preference for humble signs.

 Sources

1. Nican Mopohua (Velázquez translation; New York Public Library manuscript).

2. Callahan, Philip S. "The Tilma under Infrared Radiation" (CARA, 1981).

3. Tönsmann, José Aste. Digital eye studies (El Secreto de Sus Ojos).

4. Orozco, Aldofo. 2009 Marian Congress presentation.

5. Magis Center: Tilma science overview (2025). The Science (Or Lack Thereof) Behind Juan Diego’s Tilma

6. Catholic News Agency: Historical/scientific reports.

7. Snopes: NASA/living claims debunk.

8. Knights of Columbus: Claims fact-check.

9. Informaciones Jurídicas de 1666 (archival).

10. Poole, Stafford. Critical historical view (1995).

11. Vatican/Basilica archives: Approvals, incidents.

First Sunday of Advent (Year A): Keep Watch

What is Advent?
We are now in the holy season of Advent, where we prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time.  It is a spiritual period to meditate on these two mysteries and prepare for them.  We use the wreath and 4 candles to mark the 4 weeks before Christmas.  

Three of the candles are purple and one is rose or pink.  The purple symbolizes preparation through penance and prayer.  Purple is also used during Lent.  Another way to see it is purple is a physical sign of healing. When we get hurt, the injury becomes purple.  During the time of healing, it remains purple until it clears up.  Sin hurts us and we need time to heal from it by using the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, Prayer, Fasting, Indulgences, and genuine Spiritual life.  

The rose/pink is for the third Sunday or Gaudete Sunday which means "Sunday of Joy."   We are joyous because we are getting closer to Christ's birth.  As each week goes on, we light the candle that corresponds to that week. We at Sacerdotus now offer masks and shirts with the Advent wreath.  Visit, www.sacerdotusstore.com.    

Reflection on the Readings for November 30, 2025: First Sunday of Advent (Year A)

We are now at Year A in the Liturgical Reading cycle.  As we kindle the first violet candle on our Advent wreaths today, the Church invites us into a season of holy anticipation—not mere waiting, but an active, vigilant preparation for the Lord's coming. The readings for this First Sunday of Advent in Year A paint a vivid tapestry of hope, urgency, and transformation, drawing us from prophetic visions of peace to the stark call of Christian readiness. In a world often marked by division and distraction, these Scriptures challenge us to reorient our lives toward the "mountain of the Lord," where swords become plowshares and justice flows like water.

The prophet Isaiah's oracle in the first reading (Isaiah 2:1-5) opens with a breathtaking vision of universal pilgrimage: "In days to come, the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills." This is no distant dream but a divine promise of reconciliation, where all nations stream toward Zion, drawn by the light of God's instruction. Isaiah, speaking to a Judah teetering on the edge of exile, envisions a radical reversal—war's instruments reforged into tools of cultivation, and enemies walking side by side in peace. "They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks," he declares, echoing God's longing for shalom, wholeness that heals every fracture. Yet this hope is not passive; it demands response: "Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord." In our reflection, Isaiah beckons us to examine our own "swords"—the grudges we sharpen, the conflicts we perpetuate—and to surrender them at the foot of Christ's cross, the true mountain of salvation.

This prophetic hope finds its echo and fulfillment in the responsorial psalm (Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9), a song of ascent that captures the joy of journeying to God's house. "I rejoiced when I heard them say: 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'" The psalmist describes Jerusalem as a city "compact and firm," its gates thronged with pilgrims bearing offerings, its walls a bulwark for peace. Praying for the prosperity of this holy city, the poet intercedes not just for its inhabitants but for all who seek justice: "For the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you prosper; may peace be within your walls.'" As we enter Advent, this psalm stirs a communal longing in our hearts. In an era of polarized discourse and fractured communities, do we yearn for the "gates of Jerusalem" as fervently? The psalm reminds us that true peace begins in prayer and pilgrimage, in gathering as the Body of Christ to celebrate the Eucharist, where we taste the unity Isaiah foretold.

Saint Paul's exhortation in the second reading (Romans 13:11-14) injects a note of eschatological urgency, transforming Advent's hope into a call to moral awakening. "You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep," he writes to the Roman Christians, amid whispers of persecution and the shadow of empire. Paul likens our salvation to the breaking dawn, urging us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light." This is no vague spirituality but concrete action: "Make no provision for the desires of the flesh," he insists, clothing ourselves instead in the Lord Jesus Christ. Drawing from the imagery of night yielding to day, Paul evokes the Advent theme of vigilance—Christ's coming disrupts complacency, demanding we discard the "carousing and drunkenness" that numb us to God's voice. In my own life, this passage convicts me of the subtle "sleeps" I indulge: the endless scroll of social media that dulls my prayer, the grudges I nurse under the guise of self-protection. Paul's words are a trumpet blast, calling us to live as children of the light, armored not for battle but for the vulnerable work of love.

The Gospel from Matthew (24:37-44) sharpens this vigilance into a parable of sudden reckoning, as Jesus warns of the Son of Man's unexpected return. Recalling the days of Noah—when people ate, drank, and married until the flood swept them away—Jesus paints a picture of normalcy shattered by divine interruption. "Stay awake, therefore, for you do not know on which day your Lord will come," he cautions, likening the hour to a thief in the night. Two men in the field, two women at the mill: one taken, one left. This is not a blueprint for apocalyptic frenzy but a summons to faithful stewardship. The wise servant, trusted with the household, is found vigilant upon the master's return. In Advent's lengthening shadows, Matthew's Jesus confronts our illusions of control. We, too, build our arks in the ordinary—family dinners, work commutes, quiet moments of doubt—never knowing when grace will flood in. This reading haunts and humbles me, for it reveals how easily I prioritize the urgent over the eternal. Yet it also liberates: readiness is not perfection but presence, a heart attuned to the Master's knock.

These readings converge on Advent's core paradox: the already and the not-yet. Isaiah's mountain looms as the destiny of creation, the psalm pulses with the rhythm of worship, Paul arms us for the dawn, and Jesus keeps us watchfully awake. Together, they form a liturgy of longing, preparing us not just for Christmas cribs but for the fullness of the Kingdom. As we light this first candle, may we heed the prophet's invitation, the psalmist's prayer, the apostle's wake-up call, and the Lord's urgent whisper. In doing so, we become pilgrims of peace, armored in light, ever ready for the One who comes to make all things new. Come, Lord Jesus—may your Advent transform us.

4th Sunday of Advent: The Promise of Peace

Title: The Promise of Peace: A Reflection on the Fourth Sunday of Advent

As we approach the final Sunday of Advent, our hearts are filled with anticipation and hope for the coming of Christ. The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent invite us to reflect on the themes of promise, fulfillment, and the profound peace that comes with the arrival of our Savior.

What is Advent?
We are now in the holy season of Advent where we prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time.  It is a spiritual period to meditate on these two mysteries and prepare for them.  We use the wreath and 4 candles to mark the 4 weeks before Christmas.  

Three of the candles are purple and one is rose or pink.  The purple symbolizes preparation through penance and prayer.  Purple is also used during Lent.  Another way to see it is purple is a physical sign of healing. When we get hurt, the injury becomes purple.  During the time of healing, it remains purple until it clears up.  Sin hurts us and we need time to heal from it by using the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, Prayer, Fasting, Indulgences, and genuine Spiritual life.  

The rose/pink is for the third Sunday or Gaudete Sunday which means "Sunday of Joy."   We are joyous because we are getting closer to Christ's birth.  As each week goes on, we light the candle that corresponds to that week. We at Sacerdotus now offer masks and shirts with the Advent wreath.  See the link at the end of this post.    

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a

The first reading from the Book of Micah speaks of a promise made to the small town of Bethlehem:

"Thus says the LORD: You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, and the rest of his kindred shall return to the children of Israel. He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; and they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace."

This prophecy highlights the humble origins of the Messiah, who will come from Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town. Yet, from this small place will emerge a ruler whose greatness will extend to the ends of the earth. The promise of peace is central to this passage, reminding us that true peace comes from the strength and majesty of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

The responsorial psalm echoes the theme of divine intervention and the longing for God's presence:

 "Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power, and come to save us. Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name."

This psalm is a heartfelt plea for God's intervention and salvation. It reflects the deep yearning of the people for God's presence and protection. The imagery of the vine and the son of man emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His people, and the psalmist's trust in God's saving power.

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10

In the second reading, the author of Hebrews reflects on the significance of Christ's coming:

"Brothers and sisters: When Christ came into the world, he said: 'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, "As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God."' First he says, 'Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.' These are offered according to the law. Then he says, 'Behold, I come to do your will.' He takes away the first to establish the second. By this 'will,' we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

This passage emphasizes the fulfillment of God's will through the incarnation of Christ. Jesus' coming into the world marks the end of the old sacrificial system and the establishment of a new covenant. His obedience to God's will and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross bring about our sanctification and redemption.

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

The Gospel reading recounts the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth:

"Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.'"

This beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth is filled with joy and recognition of God's work. Elizabeth's proclamation, inspired by the Holy Spirit, acknowledges Mary as the mother of the Lord and celebrates her faith. The leaping of the infant John in Elizabeth's womb signifies the joy and anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Reflection

The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent invite us to reflect on the fulfillment of God's promises and the profound peace that comes with the arrival of Christ. From the humble town of Bethlehem to the joyful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, we see the unfolding of God's plan for our salvation.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts to the peace and joy that Christ brings. May we, like Mary, respond with faith and trust in God's promises. Let us also be mindful of the ways we can bring peace to others, following the example of the Prince of Peace.

In this final week of Advent, let us rejoice in the knowledge that God is with us, and His love and mercy are ever-present. May the light of Christ shine brightly in our hearts and homes, guiding us on our journey of faith.

www.sacerdotusstore.com

: [USCCB](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122224.cfm)

: [Catholic Doors Ministry](https://www.catholicdoors.com/homilies/2025/241222.htm)

: [Association of Catholic Priests](https://associationofcatholicpriests.ie/homily-resource/22-dec-2024-4th-sunday-in-advent-c/)

3rd Sunday of Advent: Rejoice in the Lord: A Reflection on Gaudete Sunday Year C

Title: Rejoice in the Lord: A Reflection on Gaudete Sunday

As we journey through the season of Advent, the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent invite us to reflect on themes of preparation, hope, and the transformative power of God's presence. This Sunday, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ, both in the celebration of Christmas and in His eventual return.

What is Advent?
We are now in the holy season of Advent where we prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time.  It is a spiritual period to meditate on these two mysteries and prepare for them.  We use the wreath and 4 candles to mark the 4 weeks before Christmas.  

Three of the candles are purple and one is rose or pink.  The purple symbolizes preparation through penance and prayer.  Purple is also used during Lent.  Another way to see it is purple is a physical sign of healing. When we get hurt, the injury becomes purple.  During the time of healing, it remains purple until it clears up.  Sin hurts us and we need time to heal from it by using the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, Prayer, Fasting, Indulgences, and genuine Spiritual life.  

The rose/pink is for the third Sunday or Gaudete Sunday which means "Sunday of Joy."   We are joyous because we are getting closer to Christ's birth.  As each week goes on, we light the candle that corresponds to that week. We at Sacerdotus now offer masks and shirts with the Advent wreath.  See the end of this post for the link.    

Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, is a special day in the liturgical calendar that invites us to rejoice as we anticipate the coming of Christ. The word "Gaudete" is Latin for "rejoice," and this theme of joy permeates the readings and liturgy of the day. As we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath, we are reminded of the joy that comes from knowing that the Lord is near. This reflection explores the readings for Gaudete Sunday and their significance for our spiritual journey.

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18a

The first reading from the Book of Zephaniah is a powerful proclamation of joy and hope:

"Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals."

Zephaniah's prophecy is a message of consolation and joy for the people of Israel. It assures them that God is in their midst, bringing salvation and renewal. This reading encourages us to rejoice because God is with us, removing our fears and filling our hearts with gladness. It is a reminder that our joy is rooted in the presence of the Lord, who loves us and rejoices over us.

Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

The responsorial psalm, taken from the Book of Isaiah, echoes the theme of joy and trust in God's salvation:

"Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!"

This psalm invites us to express our joy and gratitude for God's saving presence. It calls us to trust in the Lord, who is our strength and salvation. The imagery of drawing water from the fountain of salvation reminds us of the life-giving grace that God offers us. As we sing praises and proclaim God's deeds, we participate in the joyful celebration of His love and mercy.

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

In the second reading, St. Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always:

"Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Paul's message is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from living in the presence of the Lord. He encourages us to let go of anxiety and to trust in God's providence. By turning to God in prayer and thanksgiving, we open ourselves to the peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace guards our hearts and minds, allowing us to live with joy and confidence in God's love.

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

The Gospel reading from Luke presents the preaching of John the Baptist, who calls the people to repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah:

"The crowds asked John the Baptist, 'What should we do?' He said to them in reply, 'Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.' Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, 'Teacher, what should we do?' He answered them, 'Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.' Soldiers also asked him, 'And what is it that we should do?' He told them, 'Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.' Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, 'I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.' Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people."

John the Baptist's call to repentance is a central theme of Advent. He urges the people to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah by living lives of justice, generosity, and integrity. John's message is one of hope and anticipation, as he points to the one who is to come, Jesus Christ, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Reflection

Gaudete Sunday is a moment of joyful anticipation in the midst of Advent. The readings for this Sunday invite us to rejoice in the Lord, who is near and who brings salvation. Zephaniah's prophecy assures us of God's presence and love, while the psalm calls us to trust in God's saving power. St. Paul's exhortation to rejoice and pray with thanksgiving reminds us of the peace that comes from living in God's presence. Finally, John the Baptist's call to repentance challenges us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

As we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath, let us embrace the joy and hope of Gaudete Sunday. May we open our hearts to the Lord's presence, trusting in His love and mercy. Let us prepare the way for Christ by living lives of justice, generosity, and integrity, and by sharing the joy of the Gospel with others. In this season of Advent, may we find true joy in the knowledge that the Lord is near and that His coming brings light and salvation to the world.

Source:

www.sacerdotusstore.com

: [USCCB](Third Sunday of Advent | USCCB)

: [Catholic Culture](https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2024-12-15)

: [Catholic Online](https://www.catholic.org/liturgicalyear/advent.php)

: [Catholic News Agency](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/261035/cardinal-cupich-asks-catholics-to-receive-holy-communion-standing-in-chicago-archdiocese)

2nd Sunday of Advent: Prepare the Way of the Lord

Preparing the Way: A Reflection on the Second Sunday of Advent

As we journey through the season of Advent, the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent invite us to reflect on themes of preparation, hope, and the transformative power of God's presence. This Sunday, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ, both in the celebration of Christmas and in His eventual return.

What is Advent?
We are now in the holy season of Advent where we prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time.  It is a spiritual period to meditate on these two mysteries and prepare for them.  We use the wreath and 4 candles to mark the 4 weeks before Christmas.  

Three of the candles are purple and one is rose or pink.  The purple symbolizes preparation through penance and prayer.  Purple is also used during Lent.  Another way to see it is purple is a physical sign of healing. When we get hurt, the injury becomes purple.  During the time of healing, it remains purple until it clears up.  Sin hurts us and we need time to heal from it by using the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, Prayer, Fasting, Indulgences, and genuine Spiritual life.  

The rose/pink is for the third Sunday or Gaudete Sunday which means "Sunday of Joy."   We are joyous because we are getting closer to Christ's birth.  As each week goes on, we light the candle that corresponds to that week. We at Sacerdotus now offer masks and shirts with the Advent wreath.  See the end of this post for the link.    

First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9

In the first reading, the prophet Baruch offers a message of hope and restoration to the people of Israel:

 "Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever: wrapped in the cloak of justice from God, bear on your head the mitre that displays the glory of the eternal name. For God will show all the earth your splendor: you will be named by God forever the peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship. Up, Jerusalem! stand upon the heights; look to the east and see your children gathered from the east and the west at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that they are remembered by God. Led away on foot by their enemies they left you: but God will bring them back to you borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones. For God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low, and that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground, that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God. The forests and every fragrant kind of tree have overshadowed Israel at God’s command; for God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company."

Baruch's words are a powerful reminder of God's promise to restore and renew His people. The imagery of taking off the "robe of mourning and misery" and putting on the "splendor of glory" symbolizes a profound transformation. This reading encourages us to trust in God's plan and to look forward with hope, knowing that He will bring about justice and peace.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

The responsorial psalm echoes the theme of joy and restoration:

"The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. Then they said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.' The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves."

This psalm is a song of thanksgiving and joy, celebrating God's faithfulness and the restoration of His people. It reminds us that even in times of sorrow and hardship, God is at work, bringing about new life and joy.

Second Reading: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

In the second reading, St. Paul writes to the Philippians, expressing his gratitude and prayers for their growth in faith:

"Brothers and sisters: I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God."

Paul's words are a beautiful expression of hope and encouragement. He reminds the Philippians that God, who began a good work in them, will bring it to completion. This reading calls us to grow in love and righteousness, preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ.

Gospel: Luke 3:1-6

The Gospel reading from Luke introduces John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Jesus:

"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

John the Baptist's call to repentance and preparation is a central theme of Advent. He urges us to make straight the paths of our lives, removing obstacles that hinder our relationship with God. This Gospel reading challenges us to examine our hearts and to embrace the transformative power of repentance and forgiveness.

Reflection

The readings for the Second Sunday of Advent invite us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Baruch's prophecy and the psalm remind us of God's promise to restore and renew His people, filling us with hope and joy. Paul's letter to the Philippians encourages us to grow in love and righteousness, trusting that God will complete the good work He has begun in us. Finally, John the Baptist's call to repentance challenges us to make straight the paths of our lives, preparing the way for the Lord.

As we continue our Advent journey, let us embrace these themes of hope, preparation, and transformation. May we open our hearts to God's presence, allowing His mercy and justice to guide us. And may we joyfully anticipate the coming of Christ, both at Christmas and in His eventual return.

---

www.sacerdotusstore.com

: [USCCB](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120824.cfm)

: [Catholic Leaf](https://www.catholicleaf.com/mass-readings-and-reflections-dec-08-2024/)

: [Catholic Gallery](https://www.catholicgallery.org/mass-reading/081224/)

First Sunday of Advent Year C: The Signs of His Coming

Title: Embracing Hope: Reflections on the First Sunday of Advent

As we step into the season of Advent, a time of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ, the readings for the First Sunday of Advent on December 1, 2024, invite us to reflect deeply on themes of hope, vigilance, and the fulfillment of God's promises. This Sunday marks the beginning of a new liturgical year, and it sets the tone for the weeks leading up to Christmas.

What is Advent?
We are now in the holy season of Advent where we prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time.  It is a spiritual period to meditate on these two mysteries and prepare for them.  We use the wreath and 4 candles to mark the 4 weeks before Christmas.  

Three of the candles are purple and one is rose or pink.  The purple symbolizes preparation through penance and prayer.  Purple is also used during Lent.  Another way to see it is purple is a physical sign of healing. When we get hurt, the injury becomes purple.  During the time of healing, it remains purple until it clears up.  Sin hurts us and we need time to heal from it by using the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, Prayer, Fasting, Indulgences, and genuine Spiritual life.  

The rose/pink is for the third Sunday or Gaudete Sunday which means "Sunday of Joy."   We are joyous because we are getting closer to Christ's birth.  As each week goes on, we light the candle that corresponds to that week. We at Sacerdotus now offer masks and shirts with the Advent wreath.  See the end of this post for the link.    

First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

The first reading comes from the Book of Jeremiah, where the prophet speaks of a future filled with hope and divine justice:

"The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; this is what they shall call her: 'The LORD our justice.'"

Jeremiah's prophecy reassures us that God's promises are steadfast and will be fulfilled. The "just shoot" from David's line symbolizes the coming of the Messiah, who will bring justice and peace. This reading encourages us to trust in God's plan and to remain hopeful, even in times of uncertainty.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

The responsorial psalm echoes the themes of guidance and trust in the Lord:

 "To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and for you I wait all the day. Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction."

This psalm is a prayer for divine guidance and a reminder of God's unwavering kindness and faithfulness. It calls us to humility and to seek God's truth and justice in our lives.

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

In the second reading, St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, urging them to grow in love and holiness:

"Brothers and sisters: May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen. Finally, brothers and sisters, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God and as you are conducting yourselves you do so even more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus."

Paul's message emphasizes the importance of love and holiness as we prepare for the coming of Christ. It is a call to live in a way that pleases God, growing in virtue and faithfulness.

Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

The Gospel reading from Luke presents a vivid description of the signs of the end times and a call to vigilance:

"Jesus said to his disciples: 'There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.'"

Jesus' words remind us of the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared for His coming. The imagery of cosmic disturbances and the call to vigilance serve as a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters and to live in a state of readiness.

Reflection

The readings for the First Sunday of Advent invite us to embrace hope and to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Jeremiah's prophecy assures us of God's faithfulness, while the psalm calls us to seek divine guidance and trust in His ways. Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians encourages us to grow in love and holiness, and Jesus' words in the Gospel remind us to stay vigilant and spiritually awake.

As we begin this Advent season, let us take these messages to heart. May we cultivate a spirit of hope and anticipation, trusting in God's promises and striving to live in a way that reflects His love and justice. Let us remain vigilant in our faith, preparing ourselves for the joyous celebration of Christ's birth and His eventual return.

www.sacerdotusstore.com

: [USCCB](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120124.cfm)

4th Sunday of Advent: Jesus the Messiah & Mary Links Us to Him

 What is Advent?

We are now in the holy season of Advent where we prepare for both the coming of Christ at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time.  It is a spiritual period in which to meditate on these two mysteries and prepare for them.  We use the wreath and 4 candles to mark down the 4 weeks before Christmas.  

Three of the candles are purple and one is pink.  The purple symbolizes preparation through penance and prayer.  Purple is also used during Lent.  Another way to see it is that purple is a physical sign of healing. When we get hurt, the injury becomes purple.  During the time of healing, it remains purple until it clears up.  Sin hurts us and we need time to heal from it by using the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, Prayer, Fasting, Indulgences, and a genuine Spiritual life.  

The pink is for the third Sunday or Gaudete Sunday which means "Sunday of Joy."   We are joyous because we are getting closer to Christ's birth.  As each week goes, we light the candle that corresponds to that week.  

Today's readings:  Fourth Sunday of Advent | USCCB

Here we are in the fourth and last week of Advent.  Jesus is almost here.  The day of His birth is just around the corner. Since it is so near, the Church reminds us of how it all started. Let us pay close attention to today's readings, especially during this difficult 2020 year where covid 19 coronavirus has hit all of us hard.  This year is interesting indeed. We have been witnessing many "signs" in the sky.  

In the first reading from Samuel, we read how King David is bothered that he is living in a house of cedar while the Ark of the Covenant where God was is in a tent. He finds that troubling because: 'how can he (David) be living in a palace while the Lord God who did everything for him is out there in a tent as if He were camping in the woods?' The prophet Nathan replies to David that he can do whatever he wants because God is with him.  However, God spoke to Nathan.  Knowing that David wanted to build a house for God, the Lord reminded Nathan who is the real builder. He reminds Nathan and tells him to also remind David that it was He who "took you from the pasture.. cared from the flock; was commander of the people of Israel; went before them, destroyed their enemies.." and so forth.  In other words, God is saying, "you want to build a house for me?? I was the one who did everything and I can do it myself."  Now God is not being an ingrate here.  He is simply reminding David, Nathan, Israel, and all of us today that He is the one who does it all. 

There is nothing we can offer to God that is truly our own, for all comes from Him (James 1:17, John 1:3). Think about it.  Would a gift of an iPhone to the late Steve Jobs be truly a gift?  No, it would not because he was the one who invented them and had those devices made. So, how can one build a house for God if all in this universe belongs to God and He allows things to be built or destroyed? Moreover, God states that He will establish a house for David and that when the time is right, an heir will come who will be His Son and He will be His Father.  Sounds familiar?  Who do you think this guy God is talking about is?  If you guessed Jesus, then you are correct!  Jesus is this heir who will be this descendant of King David (Matthew 1).  This is why the Gospel of Matthew begins with the genealogy of Christ.  The Gospel of Matthew was written for the Jews Per Se.  Its audience was meant for those of Jewish descent so that they could understand who Jesus was and why He is important. We will also read about the importance of Mary. Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant who will house the Lord Himself. She is the living tabernacle!  Mary is the most important human (after Christ) in all of human history.  Christ, of course, was both divine and human, but Mary is different in that she is totally and only human.   This is why the Church has always had a special veneration to Mary. We call this hyperdulia.  

The responsorial Psalm responds to the first reading saying that "forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord."  What is this goodness?  Well, the Psalm tells us.  It is about God being faithful to us.  Just think about this for a moment.  The God of the universe is faithful to these little creatures made of carbon, water, iron, proteins, calcium, and other compounds - human beings.  Why?  Because He loves His creation (John 3:16).  The Psalm reminds us that God made a covenant with David and swore that his throne will be established and will last for all generations.  

In the second reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that our faith is manifesting.  The prophetic writings and faith that has been passed on were fulfilled in Jesus Christ so that all nations of the world will come to the obedience of faith in God. God kept His promise. Jesus Christ was born over 2,000 years ago and established the new covenant in His blood which is the Catholic Church. This Church is spread throughout the nations.  It is universal and excludes no one. From the Tree of Jesse sprung the branch that would capture the entire world.  The Catholic Church is the only religion that can truly claim to be universal.  We must continue to evangelize so as to bring more people into the fold. This evangelization must not only be intellectual, but also familial. We must always be welcoming of others in the Church and those outside of her. This is how we win people over to Christ. Catholic parishes can be huge, but we must make every effort to make others feel welcome and be friendly.  

Finally, in the Gospel, we read how the first reading from Samuel is fulfilled.  The archangel Gabriel is sent from God to Mary who lived in a town called Nazareth. She is a virgin and betrothed to Joseph of the house of David.  Notice the Gospel emphasizes this link between David and Joseph and in doing so, connects this to King David and the promise made to Him by God.  This Virgin is named Mary and the archangel greets her with powerful words, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you!"  Sound familiar? It is the beginning of the "Hail Mary" prayer.   The word here in Koine Greek is "kecharitomene" which means "full of God's grace." It is the passive participle of "charitoos" which means "to pour on or fill with grace." This means that Mary was literally "full of God." There was no room for sin or anything evil because God took its place.  If I tell you that a glass is full of water, then that means there is no more room for anything else. This is why the Catholic Church teaches that Mary was the Immaculate Conception. She was conceived without original sin. 

Moreover, Gabriel tells Mary that she will conceive an important child who she is to name Jesus.  This child will be called the Son of the Most High and will be given the throne of David His father. Notice how this is connected to the first reading in Samuel.  God told Nathan that He will build a house and rise up an heir of David who will be His Son.  Now since Mary's Son is an heir, then this means that He is King since He is inheriting the throne of King David. Mary in her innocence asks how this is possible since she is a virgin and has had no relations with a man.  The angel responds that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power of the Most High will overshadow her resulting in the child being the literal Son of God.  The Gospel ends with the angel telling Mary that her relative Elizabeth will bear a son in her old age. This will happen because with God nothing is impossible. These are powerful words indeed! God can do all things. Nothing is above Him. God can do the possible and impossible.  

Mary shows her faith in God by accepting and saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”  These are also familiar words found in the Angelus prayer.  The Virgin birth was foretold in Isaiah 7:14.  Many atheists have a problem understanding this "Virgin birth" thing.  However, it is not impossible, naturally, and biologically speaking.  We have seen "virgin births" in nature via Parthenogenesis.  Since God created this world including Mary's body, then what is to prevent Him from allowing Mary to conceive a child in a virginal state?   The answer is nothing for with God nothing is impossible as Gabriel stated to Mary.  Mary is an example to all of us.  She shows her confusion at first which is normal but trusts that God is good and allows Him to do His will. God respects our free will and does not force Himself on us.  Mary is the model Christian. She points to Christ.  Her last recorded words in the Gospel were "Do whatever He tells you (John 2:5)."  Unfortunately, some of our separated friends in Protestantism believe that Catholics put Mary above Christ. This is extremely far from the truth. We value Mary greatly via hyperdulia or a special veneration given to Mary alone.  Christ, His Father, and Holy Spirit receive latria from us or supreme worship reserved only for God alone.    

So in today's readings, we are reminded of the promise of this "Son" who would inherit King David's throne. This Son would be the Savior of the world. The Catholic liturgy beautifully links salvation history via Sacred Scripture. This is a holy time for all of us. I recommend families to watch the film "The Star" which is an animation of the story of the Nativity. This movie is great for the little ones and big ones as well.  Advent and the upcoming Christmas season are vital to our faith.  This is especially true as many of us are under lockdown due to this alleged pandemic that has taken hold in the world.  I use the word alleged because we still do not have all the data to put everything into perspective.  In no way am I underplaying the effects of this virus or its existence.  Covid 19 coronavirus is real and is dangerous.  We must all be safe and care for one another.  Prayer is part of this care.  Take this time to gather with your families and pray.  We do not know what comes ahead and must be prepared.  

Let us all gather now and pray "Maranatha," asking the Lord to come as we celebrate His first coming 2,000 years ago which we commemorate on Christmas.  Together with King David, the prophet Nathan, St. John the Baptist, the Blessed Mother Mary, and St. Joseph let us shout: Ad maiorem Dei gloriam! 



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