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Reflections
for Sunday, December 20, 2009
We are getting so very close to the celebration of the Birth of our Lord
Jesus. The readings continue to echo in our hearts: how great is God's
plan for us. How wonderful that He chooses to save us!
The Prophet Micah repeats the message to us: God is near, God is peace
and God's goodness will reach the ends of the earth. These and other
prophecies of the Old Testament keep responding over and over to our great
longings for peace, prosperity and love.
The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us today that what God wants is our
hearts. This God who loves us and sends us His Son is not a God who is
asking for some kind of external obedience; rather, this God who loves us
invites us to return His love and to share His life. Advent is a time when
we are reminded over and over that God loves us and sends His Son to save
us.
Today's Gospel is that of the Visitation, when Elizabeth recognizes that
God is working in Mary. It presents a wonderful moment in the lives of the
Virgin Mary and her cousin Elizabeth because John the Baptist in the womb
leaps for joy, recognizing that the Savior is near. As these two holy
women greet one another so also their babies also recognize one another.
Our attention in Advent is on the coming of the Lord. We come to see that
God comes to us in every human being. We come to recognize that each other
person is a special presence of God for us if we truly have eyes of faith.
We come to recognize the incredible presence of our Lord in the Eucharist.
We are lead to believe that after any darkness, there will again be light.
We can begin to trust that out of suffering can come joy and life.
The response that God invites from us is simply to live completely and to
live by faith. Far too often we live timidly and without clear choices for
the Lord. May this Advent serve to deepen our faith and our love. Come,
Lord Jesus, and guide us in your way of peace.
Readings of the day:
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
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Reflections are available for the following Sundays:
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