Gospel: December 22, 2024
December 22, 2024 (Sunday)
4th Sunday of Advent
Psalter: Week 4 / (Violet)
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19 (4)
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
1st Reading: Micah 5: 1-4a
2nd Reading: Hebrews 10: 5-10
Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45
Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and, giving a loud cry, said, “You are most blessed among women; and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord’s word would come true!”
Lectio Divina:
Read: In the first reading, God promises David that he will establish his kingdom and his royal line forever. This promise was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, a birth announced by the angel Gabriel in today’s Gospel. in his Letter to the Romans, Paul explains that Jesus’ birth is part of God’s plan for our salvation and the cause of our joy.
Reflect: Our time of preparation and anticipation is almost over. The Lord is near. For what are we waiting? David waits for confirmation that his royal line would be secure and long lasting. Many of the people of Mary’s time waited for a military leader who would overthrow the Roman occupation and bring a return to Israel’s glory days. We may be waiting for our family celebrations and the present exchange. But the true gift, the gift of inestimable value, is the gift of eternal life that Christ brings to those who believe in him. Though our Advent is almost over, our wait continues. We will continue to wait, to prepare, and to long for the day when our earthly journey will be completed and we will see God face to face.
Pray: Lord, make us ready to receive you.
Act: Take a moment of silence in the midst of the bustle to give thanks to God.
