Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dear Friends,

This week’s Gospel passage culminates the Advent season by bringing together the three principle characters of the great advent expectation—John the Baptist, Mary, and Jesus himself.

Mary, with her generous spirit, went out to help her older cousin Elizabeth, and we are given a glimpse into what must have been the most joyful of greetings—an Advent joy that penetrated into the very wombs of the expectant mothers. It was a very real first encounter of the one who will prepare the way and the one whose way he will prepare.

Elizabeth’s faith recognizes the immense gift that has been given to her in Mary’s visit with her son Jesus. Oh how our hearts wait in longing for that first encounter with Jesus and Mary in heaven. Yet, in faith we recognize that in just three days we are invited to a similar encounter with Jesus and Mary. Oh how their hearts wait in longing for that encounter with you.

At the end of the passage Elizabeth gives us the reason why Mary is the principle figure of Advent: Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. Advent is characterized as a season of hope, and true hope can only be had in faith—in belief that what was promised will be fulfilled! We hope in Jesus Christ. We believe, and through this faith, know that he has come, is coming, and will come. And we will experience that in the most real way in the Eucharistic celebration of the Nativity of Christ on Wednesday.

-Michael Gokie, SCV, Asst. Newman Director