4th Sunday of Advent

On this final Sunday of Advent, the themes of hope, joy, and expectation that we have heard throughout the Season unite in reflection with themes of humility, obedience, and hospitality.

In the first reading, we are assured of God’s faithfulness to humankind, working through the Prophet Micah, who prophesies the coming of a new ruler who would shepherd God’s people. A ruler who would be born in the small town of Bethlehem through the grace of an innkeeper into bare and humble beginnings, a feeding trough as his crib, and a piece of swaddling cloth to keep him warm. Are we humble in our actions and words? Are we welcoming to those in need?

In the second reading, we hear Christ’s obedience to God the Father from birth to death: Behold, I come to do your will. Are we open to obeying God’s will in our lives?

The other day, I came across a term cultivating a hospitable heart, which struck me. What does it mean to cultivate a hospitable heart? I likened it to Father Eymard’s gift of self. The gift of self, as Eymard became aware of it, was an act of self-surrender, a dying based on the model of Christ. In the gospel reading, Mary, Elizabeth, and the unborn John the Baptist exemplify the virtues of humility, obedience, and hospitality. They know the roles they will play in salvation history. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, the unborn John leaps into the womb of Elizabeth as she joyfully proclaims: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

When we come into the presence of Jesus, is our greeting like that of Mary, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist?

Let us Pray:

Hail Mary, Full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.