Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38
Notes
The direct names given for the Christ (Anointed One) are Emmanuel (God is with Us) and Jesus (God Saves) which is latin for Joshua (Salvation). These are the direct names given in the nativity gospel readings of Matthew and Luke, respectively. The Son of Mary and Joseph is the Christ, who has come to dwell with us to save us in the divine act of deliverance from evil.
If we were doing the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary today, the centering mystery is this very nativity of Jesus. Announced of old and spoken directly to Joseph and to Mary, separately, and then to the whole world. I love the Joyful mysteries. It is the story we can all relate to which is the birth of a favored son.
I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.
Summary
It is so wonderful the readings of the week preceding the birth of Jesus. We feel the warmth of a loving God and the excited preparation of Joseph and Mary. How can we not join in the celebration of John, Elizabeth and Zechariah? We are in the midst of our own preparation too. Who is the King of Glory and how shall we call him. He is Emmanuel the promise of ages!
Reflection
Sometimes the best preparation is the quietest one. Allowing our hearts to really hear the events and promises given by the Angels. We get to sing the Gloria again on Christmas Eve! The song taught us by the Angels.
Personal Reflection
I love when people ask me if I believe in the existence of Aliens. Of course I do! The Angels and the Heavenly Hosts make that very clear. Yet alien is the wrong words. Fellow created beings all praising God for his love and giving us true purpose. They are not alien as the share the same creator.
How then can I not sing the songs of Advent!
First Reading
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.
Responsorial
Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
Gospel Acclamation
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
Gospel
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry