Archive for month: December, 2023
Besides the shepherds, the Magi, and Joseph and Mary, few recognized that a special king had been born in the manger far away from the intrigue and comfort of power, wealth, and prestige. The Blessed Virgin Mary had been chosen to bear the Christ child (Luke 1:26-38). With this announcement to Mary, the line of David was no longer simply a historical accident. Rather, it is an essential factor in God’s plan of salvation for the whole world. The throne of David is conferred upon Jesus. Nathan’s prophecy of “a kingly promise” is fulfilled: Christ is the legitimate descendant of David’s throne.
This throne is not limited to earthly power, it is heavenly and includes the claim to universal sovereignty. This “kingly promise” went well beyond David’s imagination. We Gentiles have been incorporated into this kingdom of love, and our King is especially concerned about the poor, the oppressed, and the outcast, as this beautiful song of Mary (Magnificat) relates (Luke 1:47-55). As Christ was formed with Mary, may Christ be formed within us and among us!
Let us pray to our Father that we be receptive to the coming of his Son: God, the Most High Lord of all, you have a preference for the small and humble. You chose Mary, the unassuming virgin from Nazareth to become the mother of Jesus. Through your Holy Spirit make us aware of the poverty of our hearts so that we be open to you and welcome you as Mother Mary. Amen.
(Claretian Publications)
Let us pray this Advent for joy and hope in the coming Lord: Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your Church. The earth rejoices in hope of the Savior’s coming and looks forward with longing to his return by establishing a fair and just world. Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which his presence will bestow. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ who eternally dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.
Amen.
(Sunday Missal, alt.)
Our Good News Reading (John 1:6-9) tells us about John the Baptist who bore witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ, which is where we find ourselves: Bearing witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. This third Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of joy. We have joy because we have heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. We “bear witness” to the light that has come into the world in Jesus Christ when we proclaim and enflesh good news to the poor, brokenhearted, and prisoners (Isaiah 61).
Why is that which Isaiah envisioned, John proclaimed, and Christ enfleshed not more fully evident today? Perhaps we think it is too difficult and complicated; however, God fills us with the Holy Spirit to “bear witness to the light.” God fills us with the Holy Spirit to proclaim and enflesh good news to others. With God’s help, we plant seeds in the world. May we do our part and plant seeds that ultimately produce peace, love, joy, and harmony. What news do you bring to our world about God?
Through the divine initiative of forgiveness, we are brought into fellowship with God and one another by Jesus Christ who revealed God’s glory in the flesh (Mark 1:1-5). Although the way of Christ stands in judgment against our way of sin, there is also hope because of divine forgiveness, confession, and repentance. There is the hope of peace with God and others.
Following Jesus Christ is much more than a one-time heartfelt experience. It is a daily experience of confession, repentance, making amends when possible. It is about bringing God’s love to the world. God has done God’s part through the shortcut of forgiveness and acceptance. What’s your response to God’s grace?
Let us pray that we anticipate the coming of Jesus our Savior: God our Father, you sent your Messiah into our world with the power of love and compassion. May all your people accept him in faith so that Christ be birthed and grow within us and among us. May your Church be faithful to the Gospel of justice and peace. Amen.
(Claretian Publications)
