Cycle C 4th Sunday of Advent

 Mic. 5:2-5a; Heb. 10:5-10; Lk. 1:39-45

The passage from Luke 1:39-45 is a beautiful narrative of faith, service, and divine joy. It captures Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, which reveals profound spiritual truths about believing in God’s word and understanding the needs of others.

Mary’s journey to Elizabeth’s house begins with her unwavering belief in the angel Gabriel’s message that she would bear the Son of God. Her faith is echoed in Elizabeth’s proclamation: “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” This belief in God’s word is foundational to Mary’s role in salvation history.

In the Old Testament, Abraham’s faith mirrors Mary’s trust. When God promised that Abraham would have descendants as numerous as the stars, he believed despite his old age and Sarah’s barrenness (Genesis 15:5-6). Similarly, Mary’s belief transcends human understanding, as she trusts in God’s plan despite her humble circumstances.

The First Christmas Crib

 The Christmas crib, also known as the Nativity scene, is traditionally attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. In 1223, St. Francis, seeking to help people better understand the story of Christ’s birth, created the first live Nativity scene in a cave in Greccio, Italy. The scene was designed to bring the Christmas story to life for people, especially those who

Cycle C 3rd Sunday of Advent

 Zeph. 3:14-18a; Phil. 4:4-7; Lk. 3:10-18

The passage from Luke 3:10-18 captures John the Baptist’s exhortations to live righteously and with integrity. It underscores the universal call to repentance and the practical steps to embody God’s will in everyday life. 

When the crowds asked John, “What then should we do?” he emphasized sharing resources. “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” This echoes the divine mandate of charity found throughout the Old Testament:

In Isaiah 58:7, the prophet calls out, “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them?” Such acts of compassion align believers with God’s heart.