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December
21, 2008
Fourth Sunday of Advent (B)
Betty Jane
Lillie, S.C.
2 Sam 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16
X
Ps 89:2-5,27,29
X Rom 16:25-27
X
Lk 1:26-38
The Advent
readings bring together a marvelous cast of characters from Prophets, to the
forerunner of the Messiah, and to the Mother of Christ. Add to those the
Lord himself, and the historical span covers some eight hundred years or
so. The atmosphere triumphs with expectation and joy of Messianic
promises.
The prophecy of 2 Sam 7 provides a foundation of the hope for
great leaders like David who would succeed their forefather on the throne of
Judah and guide the nation through time. Though David himself would not
realize his desire to build a temple in Jerusalem, he was the forebearer of
a dynasty that would build the temple and continue the covenant religion of
Yahweh. (2 Sam 7:1-17) In our second reading Paul tells us that according
to his preaching and the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ the
obedience of faith came about. The revelation of the mystery that was kept
secret for long ages was foretold through the prophets to all people. Then
Paul’s preaching to the Gentiles made Christ known to them also, and thus
gave glory to the only wise God to whom glory is due. (Rom 16:26-27)
This brings us by the beautiful progression of salvation history
to our Gospel reading. Here we focus on the annunciation of the birth of
Jesus and the sign to Mary that authenticates her own experience. The sign
was the conception of John the Baptist who was announced in the
Benedictus of Zachariah as the Prophet of the Most High who would go
before the Lord to prepare his way. (Lk 1:76) On the strength of that
information Mary accepted the call of the Lord to her role as the Mother of
Jesus.
Without a doubt, the implications of that were not apparent to
Mary at the time. Later, Simeon’s prophecy would come true, but at the time
of the annunciation Mary walked in faith. (Lk 2:33-35) She treasured all
those revelations and pondered them in her heart. (lk 2:19)
In those events the Holy Spirit was very active. He came upon
Mary and Elizabeth. He came upon Zechariah, and Simeon, and Anna. So, if
the first Christmas story seems remote in our day, we can reflect on the
fact that through the Spirit it lives in all time and all places.
“Nothing is impossible with God.” (Lk 1:37) Every birth is
special, but the birth of the Messiah is magnificently unique and special
beyond any human expectation. This is a virgin birth, through the Holy
Spirit, that gives salvation history its long awaited fulfillment. Here the
turn of the era propels the Christian message forward to all time and all
people. No wonder the angelic chorus praised God saying, “Glory to God in
the highest heavens, and on earth peace and good will among people.” (Lk
2:14)
What does this all mean to us? If we think beyond the hustle
and bustle of the season, we might ponder in our hearts the steadfast love
of God in his absolute fidelity to his promises.
With the Psalmist we can return thanks to the Lord. “Let the
heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness to the assembly of
the holy ones.” (Ps 89)
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