Cycle A - Year I:  

18 December 2022: Fourth Sunday of Advent 

(Liturgical Color: Violet; white for Simbang Gabi Mass)

Readings:

First Reading:        Isaiah 7:10-14

Second Reading:   Romans 1:1-7

Gospel:  Please Read  Matthew 1:18-24 

To trust in God's will always!

We are now in the fourth and last Sunday of Advent (and the third day of the traditional Simbang Gabi Masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin.) In all churches and chapels, the fourth candle in the advent wreath is lit during Mass. Thus, all the four candles in the advent wreath are lighted during Mass. Few more days and it is the great event of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, the God of Love and Light of the World!

As we wind up our spiritual preparation for the coming of the Savior the Gospel reading focuses on St. Joseph, the legal father of the Holy Child and protector of the Holy Family.

The Gospel narrative tells  us that Joseph faces a heart wrenching predicament: he is betrothed to a uniquely wonderful woman who is pregnant. He knows that he is not the biological father. Since he is a "righteous man", Joseph plans to leave Mary quietly. It is at this point that God intervenes and sends an angel to appear to Joseph in a dream to explain what is happening. Joseph listens to the message of the angel and responds with deep faith and admirable obedience by willingly embracing his role as the foster father of Jesus according to God's plan.

Let us reflect that both Mary and Joseph came before God, at different moments, facing the decision to believe in the Almighty and trust in  His unfathomable plan. The radical "yes" of Mary and Joseph to God's plans brings fulfillment to their lives and enables them to participate by their free will in the marvelous, saving work of God for mankind.

Our Lady and St. Joseph are primary examples of obedience to the will of God in our lives. Let us try to imitate them and accept whatever comes knowing that we are loved and cherished by God. We are called to look beyond our own understanding and knowledge and accept things in faith like Mary and Joseph did.

Particularly during these trying times in our history as a nation, it is our faith in God that is the foundation of our spirit of resiliency in the midst of fear and uncertainties. Because we know and trust that it is the Holy Spirit dwelling within us that gives us the strength to overcome our fears and doubts, and make a leap of faith into the loving arms of our heavenly Father, like a trusting child.

Let us conclude our Advent pilgrimage with prayer that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the examples of Mary and Joseph in their trust and obedience to God, and the blessing of the Advent Season lead every one of us to respond to God with "obedient faith" even when we do not understand completely God's will for us and what is happening to our lives.... sometimes.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!