GOD IS WITH US

HOMILY FOR THE 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR (A)

 RI: Isaiah 7:10-14

R/Psalm: Psalm 24:1-2.3-4ab.5-6 (Resp. cf. 7c.10c)

R 2: Romans 1:1-7

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

Theme: GOD IS WITH US

The love of God for humanity is at the centre of the salvation history of man. That is why the fourth Sunday of Advent revolves around the theme “love.”  God right from time immemorial placed man above other creatures, even when man must have derailed from the right path, His love and faithfulness was still intact. In order to redeem man from total damnation after the great fall (cf. Genesis 3:1ff.) He chose His only begotten Son as a ransom to reconcile humanity with Divinity (cf. John 3:16). Thus, the central theme of our homily on this second Sunday of Advent (Cycle A), “God is with us.”

The first reading being an extract from the first Isaiah gave us an account of how Ahaz out of fear refused asking God for a sign, despite God’s invitation to Him to ask for a sign (cf. Isaiah 7:10-14) To an extent it could be seen as doubting the possibility of God.  In order to calm his fear, God then said: “Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel (meaning God is with us).” The sign was strange to Ahaz, while thinking of the possibility of the virgin girl to conceive and then give birth.

St. Paul in the second reading spoke of himself as the harbinger of the good news about Christ (cf. Romans 1:1-7). The gospel pericope according to Evangelist Matthew pays attention to how the birth of Jesus come to pass, being the fulfillment of the prophecies of the old (cf. Matthew 1:18-24). Here Evangelist Matthew bares his mind on how Joseph tempered justice with mercy out of love which Christ Himself expressed.

However, juxtaposing these readings we have come to the understanding of the unfathomable love of Christ among His children. On this last Sunday of the advent season, the Church invites us to reflect on the theme “love”, which is fully expressed in God through Christ Jesus our Lord having witnessed what God has done in the past. Why then do we allow fear to grip us or to becloud our senses?  Ahaz found himself in the web of doubt while encountering God, the situation that most of us sometimes found ourselves.

As we are getting closer to the solemnity of the nativity of our Lord - Emmanuel whose birth brought about hope and comfort; we need to come to terms with the reality of the salfivic mystery Christ has brought. 

Moreover, for the past three weeks, the Church has prepared us for this anticipated moment, where we will share the joy of the birth of the Word incarnate; an event which brings about infusion of humanity into divinity. 

However, it has been the desire of God to be closer to us, but most often we close our hearts against Him. As He has given us His only begotten Son as a ransom for sins, let us open up our hearts and welcome Him in our thoughts, words and actions. Let us be compelled by the love of Christ Jesus, and then give it out to others as witnesses of the good news which St. Paul in the second reading testified. 

Finally, as we are waiting in joyful hope for the coming of the Son of God into our world which heralds a new age; let us be hopeful that as far as God is with us, He will make everything anew for us (cf. Revelation 21:5). Peace, be with you! 

  By Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM