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December 17, 2022Reflection for Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 17-18, 2022
Isaiah 7:10-14: It’s interesting in this passage that God requests from Ahaz that he ask for a sign, in order to boost the faith of Ahaz, himself and to bolster the faith of the people, as well. Ahaz, however, has so much faith in God and respect for God that he resists asking for a sign. Pondering this, reflect that this passage might be interpreted as demonstrating that God condescends to come to us and meet our souls “where we’re at.” God rquests this of Ahaz, so that Ahaz can be relieved of the temptation to ask (to get the complaining people off his back), and thusly, to relieve his own stress over not doing so, and consequently, being burdened by the peoples’ mutinous enmity. How thoughtful, all-knowing and compassionate our God truly is!
Psalm 24:7c and 10b: “Let the Lord enter; He is King of Glory.” On this last Sunday of Advent, isn’t it appropriate that we sing a song of rejoicing over the imminent coming of the Lord?! We celebrate God as our Creator and our “owner.” We truly are His people… the sheep of His flock! That’s a lot to celebrate! The second verse of today’s psalm invites us to prepare for our deaths; when virtuous souls will enter God’s home, in Heaven. There, we shall enter God’s Presence. Are “our hands, sinless?” our hearts, clean,” as required? Do we need to avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), to prepare us to see the face of God? Consider this and pray for the grace to answer God’s invitation, soon… before it’s too late for us! A “prepared-for death” is a peaceful and serene death… and life! Come, Holy Spirit! Come!
Romans 1:1-7: Like St. Paul, we’re all being called to be servants of Christ Jesus and sharers of the Good News; that Jesus is our Way to salvation and redemption! Yes, we… you and I, are being called to share with others the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, mercy and encouragement which we have all received. Some people need to hear the message from your words, and via your presence, while others need to hear the message and experience the Lord’s love through my words and my presence. Without exception, we’re all being called to share our faith and to minister to others, however and wherever, we’re able to do so. God shows no partiality. He’s given each and all of us talents to share, and God expects us to be fruitful! Let’s reflect this week how we might all work to use our talents more for the glory of God and His Kingdom!
Matt 1:18-24: Jesus’ Conception and birth is a story about obedience, trust and faith! Mary, visited by Gabriel, shows appropriate questioning, prompted by limited understanding about how this blessed and miraculous Conception is occurring. Nevertheless, Mary’s confident response after the angel’s explanation, is one of immediate obedience to God’s Will, faith in its reality and trust in God’s provision to take care of all the details. Joseph’s response to his dream is strikingly similar. Joseph immediately obeys. Despite some wonderment and difficulty understanding “the how,” as Mary did, Joseph makes the decision to have faith in God’s spoken and written Word, via Scriptural promises of the Incarnation and coming of the Messiah. Joseph believes in and trusts in Mary’s innocence and virtue; despite appearances. Lord, help all of us to obey Your commands and decide to have total faith in Your Word and to trust, totally in Your provisions.
Ponderously,
Deacon Matt
