Reflection for Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 19, 2021

Reflection for Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 19, 2021

Micah 5:1-4a: In this prophecy about the coming of the Messianic ruler, His coming from Bethlehem is predicted. Bethlehem is a very small place, nevertheless, especially meaningful as it was the home-town of Naomi. It became the home of Ruth who faithfully and loyally stayed with Naomi, her mother-in-law to care for her, after Ruth had become a widow and could have left Naomi to return to her own people. Instead, Ruth became the future great grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus. When Micah predicts a future great ruler (Jesus), whose “origin is from of old,” the prophet is referring to King David. The Messiah’s God-given strength and adherence to God’s law are predicted, as is His all-encompassing peaceful rule over all in the Name of God. This passage radiates hope and joy.

Psalm 80: “Lord, make us turn to You; let us see Your face and we shall be saved.” This Sunday’s psalm is a communal lament; grieving past mistakes, while pleading for God’s help in a time of turmoil and suffering. The first stanza addresses God as a kindly Shepherd and petitions God’s help to come and save Israel. The second stanza uses agricultural imagery to portray Israel as a vine that God has transplanted (brought home) from captivity in Egypt, to Israel. This analogy acknowledges Israel’s complete dependence upon God for protection, nurturance and even for life itself. One can see suggested in this psalm a kind of national abandonment to Divine Providence; a humbling of Israel’s approach to God that expresses repentance and regret over turning away from and disobedience to God in the past. As Advent progresses, let’s consider our own approach to God. Are we approaching God in prayer with humility, repentance and commitment to changing our lives? If not, let’s get started!

Hebrews 10:5-10: St. Paul proclaims how God’s displeasure and rejection of the people’s sacrifices according to the law, was remedied by Jesus’ Sacrifice of Himself. The passage is clearly written as if Jesus, Himself is speaking through Paul. Jesus sacrifices Himself as an “oblation” (offering to God, in atonement for the sins of men), and includes a promise to do God’s Will. Jesus’ offering of Himself as the perfect Sacrifice by submitting and conforming Himself to the Will of God sanctifies and saves all believers, as we are saved in Jesus’ Name. Perhaps this week we might contemplate that God wants us to offer ourselves, in union with Jesus’ Sacrifice, as a communally pleasing sacrifice to Him. We sacrifice and offer ourselves, via obedience to God’s Commands and by conforming ourselves to God’s Will. Peace is the fruit of obedience to God’s Will.

Luke 1:39-45: In this beautiful recounting of the newly pregnant Virgin Mary’s joyful visit to Elizabeth, we witness an early example of Jesus’ Presence literally being shared and offered as an inspiration and comfort to others. Mary, ecstatic and joyful over Jesus’ advent, also rejoices over her kinswoman, Elizabeth’s news of the imminent arrival of John the Baptist. Mary’s sacrificial offering includes not only the ardor of the long journey to join Elizabeth. Mary is also ready to share the good news about the coming Messiah, as well as her intention to serve and accompany Elizabeth in the final stages of her pregnancy. Both of these holy women know the joy of total self-sacrifice of soul, mind and body in service of human life. What a powerful witness to our times, when lives of the unborn are valued so little. Let’s contemplate that.

Serenely,

Deacon Matt