Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O Adonai!

In other years: Saint Flannan, Bishop (7th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 63:1-9 Community Rank

Mass: Is 7:10-14; Resp Ps 24; Rm 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24

Let the Lord enter; He is the king of glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT JOSEPH, CHASTE GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

To all the beloved ... called to be holy.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Rm 1:7)

Welcome to December 18 and the Fourth Sunday of Advent. We continue our countdown to the Nativity of the Lord and celebrate O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flames of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai; come and redeem us with outstretched arm. We turn to Saint Joseph who did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home (Mt 1:24). Saint Joseph, most strong; Saint Joseph, most obedient; Saint Joseph, support in difficulties; Saint Joseph, protector of the holy Church, pray for us.

Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power.

(From a 19th century French prayer book of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary. Every day, for over 40 years, Pope Francis has recited this prayer after Lauds)

In this last week of preparation for the celebration of Christmas things may get hectic. United in faith and prayer, we turn to the Gospel of Saint Matthew and remember God is with us (Mt 1:23). And Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) has something to say about that. 

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

(Meister Eckhart)

SAINT FLANNAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Decked out and set for the Fourth Week. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

© Gertrude Feick 2022