Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45]

A few years ago, we had an elderly friend, who seemed to have everything she needed. We used to struggle to think of what to get her as a Christmas gift and one year came to the conclusion that what she would appreciate most from was our time. So, in our Christmas card that year, we made a commitment to see her on a frequent basis and early in the new year sat down with her and put several dates into our diaries. These visits were mutually beneficial. Our friend got some company and often trips out to places she couldn’t normally get to, and we took time out from our busyness and got to know our friend better. This lasted for several years until our friend sadly passed away, and over the years she shared her wisdom with us. One of the things I will always remember her saying is that many of her elderly friends complained about being lonely; but she never felt lonely, because she was part of the Church, and her many Church friends kept in touch by telephone or by visiting her regularly.

Today, we hear of one of the most famous visits in history. We hear of a young woman; who is probably frightened by what has been revealed to her; rushing off to her older cousin to help in whatever way she could, to prepare for the imminent arrival of a much sought after child. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, the child leapt in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a commentary on this Gospel, St Ambrose points out that ‘Elizabeth was the first to hear the voice, but her son John was the first to feel the effects of grace. She heard as one hears in the natural course of things; he leapt because of the mystery that was there. She sensed the coming of Mary, he the coming of the Lord – the woman knew the woman, the child knew the child.’

In these last few days before we celebrate the birth of Christ, can we say that we know the Child?

Has our relationship with Christ deepened during this Advent?

Do we leap for joy when we encounter Christ?

With just a few days left, it is never too late. Try and take time out from our secular preparations to spend a few minutes in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Maybe spend a little more time at the end of Mass praying a prayer of thanksgiving for the Mass and for the priest who celebrated the Mass for us.

Or perhaps think of someone you know who does not get many visitors and would maybe appreciate you spending time with them either through an actual visit or a phone call. Through our Baptism, we are called to take Christ to others. Who would benefit from YOU taking Christ to them?

Our God created the world and does not want any worldly things from us; what He desires is our love, and we can show our love for God by the way we love our neighbour and by giving back to God, some of the time He has given us.

Further Reading

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)

Fourth Sunday of Advent

CCC 148, 495, 717, 2676: the Visitation
CCC 462, 606-607, 2568, 2824: the Son becomes incarnate to do the Father’s will

Please keep in your prayers this week

  • The sick and housebound, those who are dying and those who are grieving.
  • Father Jean-Patrice that he makes a full recovery.
  • The continued fight to protect all life from conception until natural death.
  • The Basingstoke Winter Night Shelter as it continues to support the homeless in our town.
  • Those who are pregnant and those struggling to conceive, may God bless them with successful pregnancies; with healthy mothers and healthy babies.
  • Those struggling financially; that they get the help they need and that they are careful when deciding how much to spend this Christmas. May they not be too proud to ask for the help which is available for them.
  • Those who support the vulnerable in our communities.

Deacon Tony

21st December 2024