Fourth Sunday of Advent: C: December 19, 2021

 BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN

First Reading: Micah 5: 2-5

Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 5-10

Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 39-45

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Micah. Micah speaks about a great ruler who will come from an insignificant place in Israel - Bethlehem. He will gather together the scattered people and unite the people once more. He will bring peace and security for the chosen people. This prophecy of Micah finds its fulfilment in the coming of Jesus Christ as savior of Israel and of the whole world. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews. The message is that Jesus came not to offer sacrifices of the old law but to do the will of God. The sacrifices offered according to the Mosaic law were unable to purify the people from their sins. But Jesus Christ through His obedience and self-sacrifice was able to bring about reconciliation between God and humankind. 

The meeting of two holy women: Elizabeth and Mary                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A detailed description regarding the meeting of Blessed Mother Mary with her cousin Elizabeth is given. These two saintly women experienced the blessings of a loving and living God in their lives. Mary wanted to share her joy with her cousin. So Mary travelled to the hill country where Elizabeth lived. When greeted by Mary, Elizabeth recognized the great privilege God had bestowed on Mary. Filled with the Holy Spirit Elizabeth praised Mary and the uniqueness of the child in her womb. Elizabeth joyously praised and thanked the Almighty for the great faith Mary had when she totally surrendered to the will of God and accepted God's Word in her womb. It is through Mary that God keeps the promises foretold by Prophet Micah. The promises of God took human form in her womb in the person of Jesus. In Mary we see that God does not merely make promises but fulfills them. In Mary we see someone who allows the promises of God to shape her whole life - not in a passive way but positively by her unconditional 'yes' to God. In this final week of Advent when we are eagerly preparing for Christmas, Elizabeth and Mary give us some deep insights as to how we could prepare for the great event: 1. By believing in the promises of God. 2. By recognizing what God has done in our lives and in the lives of others. 3. By sharing our joy with others. 

"Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit after conceiving John, while Mary is filled with the Holy Spirit before conceiving the Lord." - St. Ambrose.