REFLECTIONS ON THE WORD – 12/19/21 (Sunday)

For the readings, click here: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

Blessed Fourth Sunday of Advent! In our gospel reading, the Blessed Virgin Mary travelled to the hill country to be with her cousin. Then, St. Elizabeth became joyful, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit as she was visited by Mary. What does this signify for us? The Lord shows us that by being in the presence of God like our Mother Mary, our family and other people will be touched by the His grace and mercy. And, we can have the hope that their relationship with God will deepen and improve.  

How can we remain in the presence of God while leading our family and others to His love? One way is by preparing for Christmas this Advent season by going to the Mass with the family. Unfortunately, some people may treat Christmas as a secular holiday rather than celebrate it with reverence in relation to the birth of Christ. Perhaps, we may think that going to Mass is not necessary because our families may prioritize having gatherings. By attending some parties, we may think that we are happy. Although attending these are not necessarily wrong, our God and our Savior is reminding us that true happiness is found in loving Him, most especially by receiving His Body and Blood in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Let us remember that in the Mass, we are given the opportunity to be like Mary because when we receive Jesus in the Eucharist during communion, God dwells in us. 

When we receive Jesus in the sacrament while in the state of grace, He will bless us and grant us the strength to persevere in life amidst of trials. We will be like Mary who persevered in going to St. Elizabeth despite the difficulty of the travel as a mother bearing a child. The greatest gift we can receive is the gift of the salvation offered to us through the Sacrifice of Christ. May we devote ourselves to Jesus as we participate in the Mass, and let us be a good model to our family. By God's grace, He will make us witnesses and instruments to lead our family and other people to His Merciful Love. 

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May God bless us and our family. May He fill our hearts with the Spirit of His Mercy and make us witnesses of His love and presence in our lives. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic