Dec 20^rd, 15 Advent 4^th Sunday homily: Fr.Francis Chirackal CMI, MSW

Micah 5:1-4 Heb. 10:5-10    Lk 1:39-45

For Readings

http://www.usccb.org/nab/122015.shtml

A few days ago, people in Chennai suffered a devastating cyclone. Around 300 people died and thousands of people lost their houses and belongings. People from many countries extended their help and support. Even now the volunteers are serving at those areas to help the affected people. Similarly we saw in Philippines. Often, we hear of people helping the needy with what they have and what they can do to help others. A few days ago, our Holy Father Pope Francis announced the Jubilee year of Mercy and reminded everyone to become the instruments of God’s mercy in our living situations. Hundreds of our own parishioners are rendering their voluntary service to help the poor and needy with their generous and much sacrificed financial help, skills, health and time. For Christmas, we prepare with many acts of sacrifices and charity. In today’s Gospel, we see a great example of helping someone who was in need, as a preparation for the first Christmas. Receiving the message from the Angel Gabriel, Blessed Virgin Mary, hastened to the house of Elizabeth, which was about 50 miles away from Nazareth to help, knowing her needed condition.

In the first reading from the Book of Micah, he presents his prophesy on the birth of the Messiah, who will be the King and the Shepherd of all peoples. This prophesy became fulfilled with the birth of Jesus. In the second reading from the Letter to Hebrews, the Apostle proves that Christ was the promised Messiah, and the perfect Sacrifice at Calvary. Jesus, through his obedience, replaces the religion of the Old Testament and thus becomes the only means for our salvation.

In the Gospel, we see the Blessed Virgin Mary becoming a person of care and support. It was a spontaneous, voluntary response to a needy situation. At the same time, she herself was miraculously pregnant and that journey was a dangerous one in those days. But she bravely made the journey once she became the Mother of the Divine Child. Her desire and eagerness to help Elizabeth was stronger than the fear of possible dangers. She reached out and helped her cousin with great joy. The moment of the visitation, became an occasion to proclaim God’s plan through Mary, for the salvation of the human race, selecting her to be the mother of His Son. On this episode of the visitation, William Barclay remarks, "that blessedness confers on a person, both the greatest joy, and the greatest task in the world". Nowhere can we see, the paradox better than in Mary’s life. The moment she accepted God’s will, her life became a paradox. On one side she rejoices in God, while on the other side, she goes through severe sufferings. Her faith and trust in God kept everything in balance. She knew what was before her, as she was filled with the Holy Spirit.

A mother’s love towards her child is considered as one of the most selfless acts of love in this world. Becoming our heavenly mother, the Virgin Mary, shows the same love towards us, intending only our success and eternal salvation. Unfortunately, many of the sons and daughters, forget the sacrifices that their earthly mothers do for them. It is also unfortunate, that many forget or disregard the sacrifices our Holy Mother did for us. God wants us to be grateful towards our Heavenly Mother and our earthly mothers, as He granted a special grace and place to Virgin Mary, the Mother of Divine Child. The visitation episode reminds us of our Holy Mother’s constant help in our lives knowing our needs. Many of the apparitions and individual experiences of special interventions and protections, are only a few examples of the ongoing presence and support, even today, in our midst. This same episode also reminds us of our responsibility for mutual support in our living situations. As our Holy Father reminds us, we need to be the incarnated mercy of God in our living situations.

The Virgin Mary, prepared herself for the first Christmas through prayer, love and service. She became the best example for us to imitate during this Advent period, as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. We relive the joy of His first coming, and foretaste the joy of His second coming, preparing ourselves to welcome Him into our hearts in a special way. All of our sincere Advent practices enable us to be worthy of receiving special graces and blessings from God, as we grow in our relationship with God, our neighbors and with ourselves. In the Holy Trinity, we see a perfect unity of The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit that are united into One God. As Mary did, let us find time to visit others during these days of Christmas, to bring some inspiration into their lives with hope, peace and joy. Let us share with them the Spirit of consolation, love, courage, peace and joy, just as Mary did. Let us become more generous in complimenting and encouraging own spouse, parents, children, friends, and those in need of our encouraging words and actions and to make them know how valuable they are to us and to God.

Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate this Christmas, experiencing the real peace and joy, with our efforts of love and charity, in the sure hope of welcoming Christ again in His second coming, which is the goal of incarnation. Our Holy Mother is with us as a model, guide and constant support, continuously interceding for us before the Heavenly Father and her Divine Son. God bless you.