Fourth Sunday of Advent
1ST READING
Isaiah promises relief to a besieged Jerusalem within the next nine months. This is the literal meaning of the text we read here. It is only later that Matthew and the Fathers of the Church are able to see within this prophecy a hint or understanding of the future coming of the Messiah. As we reflect upon Old Testament Scriptures that promise a Messiah, it is important that we understand the literal meaning of the text as well, as this can help us in further understanding the role or person of the Messiah. Here, we can draw the image of the Messiah, Jesus, freeing humanity from the besieging armies of sin through His salvific work.
Isaiah 7:10-14
10 The Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying: 11 “Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!” 12 But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” 13 Then Isaiah said: “Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”
P S A L M
Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: Let the Lord enter; He is king of glory.
1 The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. 2 For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (R) 3 Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. (R) 5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior. 6 Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (R)
2ND READING
Paul always begins his letters with a greeting. There is something to be said for the articles of etiquette that place a high value on respect. It is essential that society does not lose the art of etiquette and respect, because it will help us honor the human dignity of each person. Respect is one of the first aspects to disappear in an uncivilized society — let us ensure that we do our best to maintain it in our families and communities.
Romans 1:1-7
1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, 4 but established as Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, 6 among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; 7 toall the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
GOSPEL
The birth of Jesus marks a new era in history where we can say that one of us is God. The Incarnation reminds us of our dignity as human persons and, thus, of our responsibility to respect one another. Let us always seek to discover new ways of respecting and helping one another whenever we can and so build up the Body of Christ by affirming and supporting one another in our Christian lives and ministries.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.
Matthew 1:18-24
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
think: It is essential that society does not lose the art of etiquette and respect, because it will help us honor the human dignity of each person.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: __________________
____________________________________
God’s special verse/thought for me today_
_____________________________________
READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Sirah 1-5
SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment