Fr. Fracois Noah
Reflexion 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
Micah 5: 1-4; Ps 79: 2-3, 15, 18-19; He 10: 5-10; Lk 1: 39-44
The 4th Sunday of Advent gives us a foretaste of the joy of Christmas. It presents the mothers of the protagonists in anticipation as forbearers of the Good News. Mary heard the Good News from the Angel about herself and her cousin and decided to visit her. The encounter between Mary and Elisabeth produces the encounter of the two individuals who will bear the name ofJohn and Emmanuel as main players of the future nativity. In this perspective the one who is to be called the precursor rejoices at the presence of the mother of the future savior. How do the Gospel and the first reading help us to uncover the joy and the mystery behind a simple encounter between two cousins?
The gospel for the uncommon occasion is all about women and the fruit of their womb. There is a great difference between the two women. One is old and already married and the other one is still young and betrothed to a man. One has not met the angel who brought the Good news, while the other one met Him face to face. At the same time they have similar elements that characterize them: they are all called to be mothers of individuals who will be important keys in the history of salvation. They are cousins and love each other. Elisabeth is called to be the mother of the precursor, while Mary is called to be the mother of the savior. Our God is a God of encounter between people. This encounter between Mary and Elisabeth confirms each one of them about the project God has for them and for the whole of humanity. Mary goes to sustain her cousin Elisabeth who is about to give birth; at the same time Elisabeth declares to Mary that she is the mother of the Savior. Advent is expecting but a hopeful outcome is projected. What is this good News which the two women are talking about? Elisabeth herself gives us the answer concerning this question as she cries out: “why should I be honoured with the visit from the mother of my Lord?” Mary is the mother of the Lord and the Savior. This gospel is an invitation to the service of the other as Mary has done for her cousin. It is also a testimony for people that women of faith are able to discover and recognize God’s action for them and for the whole human race. Finally it is an invitation to a hopeful expectation. What are they hoping for? It is the birth of two children who throughout their lives will give a new direction to history. One will introduce the other and the other will save through his life, suffering, death and resurrection. As we look forward to celebrating this coming Christmas let us remember that it is God who is the main actor and who guides the people who obey him as Mary. Let us remember that God’s power is incarnated in a small baby who will transform the course of history and we are invited to be not spectators but active participants with our “yes” to the Lord.
Reflexion 4th Sunday of Advent Year C
Micah 5: 1-4; Ps 79: 2-3, 15, 18-19; He 10: 5-10; Lk 1: 39-44
The 4th Sunday of Advent gives us a foretaste of the joy of Christmas. It presents the mothers of the protagonists in anticipation as forbearers of the Good News. Mary heard the Good News from the Angel about herself and her cousin and decided to visit her. The encounter between Mary and Elisabeth produces the encounter of the two individuals who will bear the name ofJohn and Emmanuel as main players of the future nativity. In this perspective the one who is to be called the precursor rejoices at the presence of the mother of the future savior. How do the Gospel and the first reading help us to uncover the joy and the mystery behind a simple encounter between two cousins?
The gospel for the uncommon occasion is all about women and the fruit of their womb. There is a great difference between the two women. One is old and already married and the other one is still young and betrothed to a man. One has not met the angel who brought the Good news, while the other one met Him face to face. At the same time they have similar elements that characterize them: they are all called to be mothers of individuals who will be important keys in the history of salvation. They are cousins and love each other. Elisabeth is called to be the mother of the precursor, while Mary is called to be the mother of the savior. Our God is a God of encounter between people. This encounter between Mary and Elisabeth confirms each one of them about the project God has for them and for the whole of humanity. Mary goes to sustain her cousin Elisabeth who is about to give birth; at the same time Elisabeth declares to Mary that she is the mother of the Savior. Advent is expecting but a hopeful outcome is projected. What is this good News which the two women are talking about? Elisabeth herself gives us the answer concerning this question as she cries out: “why should I be honoured with the visit from the mother of my Lord?” Mary is the mother of the Lord and the Savior. This gospel is an invitation to the service of the other as Mary has done for her cousin. It is also a testimony for people that women of faith are able to discover and recognize God’s action for them and for the whole human race. Finally it is an invitation to a hopeful expectation. What are they hoping for? It is the birth of two children who throughout their lives will give a new direction to history. One will introduce the other and the other will save through his life, suffering, death and resurrection. As we look forward to celebrating this coming Christmas let us remember that it is God who is the main actor and who guides the people who obey him as Mary. Let us remember that God’s power is incarnated in a small baby who will transform the course of history and we are invited to be not spectators but active participants with our “yes” to the Lord.