FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR C
R1: MICAH 5:2 – 59
R2: HEBREWS 10:5 – 10
GOSPEL: LUKE 1:39 – 45
Theme: CHOSEN CHANNELS OF SALVATION
The Lord our God works in mysterious ways. His ways are not our ways and his thoughts are different from our thoughts. (Cf Isaiah 55:8) Often, God works through means and ways we least expect. His blessing blows to wherever it pleases, such that we can not claim autonomy of God providence.
Before the birth of Jesus, many people in Israel were waiting for a king that will come through mighty ways (probably from a wealthy family, a prestigious background, from the lineage of known warriors and kings) but God chose the lowly town of Bethlehem and the poor family of Mary and Joseph to bring forth the saviour of mankind.
God’s power can manifest itself through any means. It can be in our unbelief, weaknesses; as St. Paul rightly said, “For my power is greatest when you are weak” (2Corinthian 12:9). We have to dispose ourselves for the direction of God for the work of salvation as Virgin Mary did in the second Reading of today. We have to allow ourselves to be filled by Holy Spirit and in turn be channels of dispensing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, that his impact be felt in the lives of the people we meet. By so doing we become channels of salvation to others no matter how little or lowly we are.
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit at the greeting of the Blessed Virgin Mary and that was why she was able to recognize our Lord Jesus in the womb of Blessed Virgin. When we allow God to take control of our lives, to fill us with his power, He can turn that which is weak in us to be strong, that which is sinful in us to be Holy. For God does not call the qualified but qualifies those He has called. (1 Corinthian 1:27:29).
As we continue to wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus, let us always open our hearts in readiness to welcome Him. Let us never be in doubt of his mercy and goodness towards us. Amen.
Peace be with you
Reflection by
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Nlebedum,SMMM
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