Sunday, December 21, 2003
4th Sunday of Advent

1st Reading: Mic 5:1-4

The Lord says this, "You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, so small that you are hardly named among the clans of Judah, from you shall I raise the one who is to rule over Israel. For he comes forth from of old, from the ancient times.

Yahweh, therefore, will abandon Israel until such time as she who is to give birth has given birth. Then the rest of his deported brothers will return to the people of Israel.

He will stand and shepherd his flock with the strength of Yahweh, in the glorious Name of Yahweh, his God. They will live safely while he wins renown to the ends of the earth. He shall be peace."
When the Assyrian invades our land
and sets foot on our territory,
we will raise against him
not one but seven shepherds,
eight warlords.

2nd Reading: Heb 10:5-10

This is why on entering the world, Christ says: You did not desire sacrifice and offering; you were not pleased with burnt offerings and sin offerings. Then I said: "Here I am. It was written of me in the scroll. I will do your will, O God."

First he says: Sacrifice, offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire nor were you pleased with them-although they were required by the Law. Then he says: Here I am to do your will. This is enough to nullify the first will and establish the new. Now, by this will of God, we are sanctified at once by the sacrifice of the body of Christ Jesus.

Gospel: Lk 1:39-45 (Listen to MP3 - Mary Visits Elizabeth)

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 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!"

Commentary

Two insignificant kinswomen meet and celebrate the kindness and fidelity of their God. Both carry, unknown to the world, greatness and hope for the world in their wombs. Each brings to the other a gift. Mary gifts Elizabeth with a leap of joy in her aged womb, because Mary bears the Savior. Elizabeth gives Mary assurance and confirmation to strengthen the young woman's faith in this early stage of her pilgrimage. In this quiet encounter in the hill country of Judea, we see a vision of redeemed human community to dream of and strive for. May all human beings greet and welcome each other as kin. May all recognize the greatness we bear in ourselves by God's grace, and exchange our gifts in gladness. May we thus find ourselves together rejoicing in the goodness of God.

Read also: • Gospel Reflections by Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R.
          • Biblical Commentaries fro Diario Biblico

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