Fourth Sunday of Advent

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Saint Ammon and Companions, Martyrs (250); Saint Philogonius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr (324); Saint Dominic of Silos, Abbot (1073); Bd Scubilion (1797-1867); Saint Fachanan of Kilfenora

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 64:1-6 The Election of an Abbot or Abbess

Mass: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 141, 16; Resp Ps 89; Rm 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

For ever I will sing the goodness of God.

O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel: who open and none can shut; who shut and none can open: come and lead to freedom the prisoner who sits in darkness and the shadow of death. 

(Traditional O Antiphon)

We continue our count down to Christmas with the fourth great "O" Antiphon and address Jesus in this way:  O Key of David ... come. I like something I read yesterday about how great these "O" Antiphons are, for "nothing stands in the way of these antiphons: compared to them, even Sundays have no antiphon of their own" (Universalis, "About Today", December 19, 2020). O Key of David ... come.

Something else I read was this: "Advent is not a spectator sport but a way of life in service of the Gospel" (Magnificat, December 2020, p. 200). If for one reason or another you have been spectating, there is still time to get involved in the action. And there is plenty of that in today's Gospel. Be awake. An angel just may come to you today at a most unexpected time. You may be troubled or afraid. That would be a normal response one would think. After all Mary was. Still, listen to the message brought to you. Turn to God who can strengthen you (Rm 16:25). May your response and mine too join with Mary's: May it be done to me according to your word (Lk 1:38).

When the human spirit is ready, God enters without hesitation or waiting. You need not look either here or there. God is no farther away than the door of your heart.

(Meister Eckhart, 1260-1328)

MARY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, 

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Our Advent wreath for the Fourth Week of Advent.

© Gertrude Feick 2020