FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT - CYCLE B

Open with a prayer: Lord God, Spring of Joy, Root of Jesse, come and be with us as we gather to listen to your Word. Mary, our Mother, pray for us and help us to follow your example by saying "yes" to what God asks of us. This we pray through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Sharing of life question: What do you love most and least about this season?

Facilitator reads focus statement: In the first reading, David wishes to build a house for God. God has other plans. He plans to house himself in Mary and manifest himself in the flesh (Gospel). The second reading speaks about the mystery of salvation about to be revealed.

Now read the readings for this coming Sunday. Pause briefly at the end of each reading.

FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-16

This word of the Lord given to us through the prophet Nathan has always been regarded as a very important passage in scripture. The reason: the passage marks the beginning of Israel's messianic hope, which eventually centered on one individual descendant of David.

At this point in his career, David has defeated his enemies, reunited the twelve tribes of Israel into one nation and established Jerusalem as his capital. Now he wants to centralize the worship of Israel by building a Temple in Jerusalem. Also, he seems to want to do something really big for God in building him a big Temple to replace the traveling church.

Through the prophet Nathan, God says, "Thank you, but no thanks." God reminds David in no uncertain terms who is running the show. "David, it was I who upgraded your career from being an unknown shepherd lad to being the commander and King of my people. It was I who destroyed your enemies and went with you wherever you went. And now I am going to make you even more famous. Instead of you building me a house, I will build you a house (read dynasty) from which a line shall endure forever."

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 89

This psalm echoes the sentiments of the first reading by focusing on God's fidelity to his promise to be with his people forever.

SECOND READING: Romans 16:25-27

These are the concluding verses to a long doctrinal epistle. They appear to have been selected for their reference to the "mystery" which was hidden for all ages, but which is now made manifest. The "mystery" is God's plan for the salvation of all people without distinction. Jesus is at the center of this plan.

GOSPEL: Luke 1:26-38

What God promised to David (first reading), concerning his everlasting dynasty, was to come to full flower in Jesus' person and mission. The Gospel is a "greeting card" of sorts, a birth announcement addressed to a waiting world. The child's name is Jesus. But unlike modern day birth announcements, which usually feature weight, length of the child, date of birth, etc., Jesus' birth announcement spoke about his purpose and mission -- namely salvation for his people. Unlike any other child before or after him, this child will be both human (born of Mary) and divine (born of the Spirit). Mary wonders how all this can happen to her, a virgin. She is told not to worry, for "nothing is impossible to God." Elizabeth's pregnancy in her old age will be another example of God's awesome and strange ways. The scene concludes with Mary's "yes" to the angel, which makes her a model disciple. Mary is a model disciple because of her openness and receptivity, regardless of the apparent impossibility of what is being asked of her and the prospect of subsequent hardships.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. What verse spoke to you and how does it relate to your life?

  2. In the first reading, David wants to do something really nice for the Lord whom he loved very much. God turns down his offer in no uncertain terms. How do you think you might handle God's "No thank you."?

  3. Is there not a danger that any or all of us might think that we are doing "nice things" for the Lord when we serve him well? The truth is that we are the blessed ones to be allowed to be God's servants. Comment on this.

  4. In the first reading, God says to David "I have been with you wherever you went." To what extent has this been your experience?

  5. What does the doctrine and feast of the Incarnation (God taking on human form) mean to you?

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

Name one way you can act on today's readings. Suggestion: Keep in your mind and heart the beautiful line: "I have been with you wherever you went."

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for the grace to keep in mind God's presence. Pray also for all who are lonely this Christmas, all who will be traveling, and our troops separated from their families.