Daily Retreat 12/24/06
2006 Dec 24 SUN:FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 79(80):2-3,15-16,18-19 (4); Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45
From today’s readings: “ You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to be ruler in Israel.... Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from Heaven.... a body You prepared for Me.... Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled....”
The Biblical Background of the Birth
Because it is quoted in the Gospel passage in answer to the Magi’s inquiry (cf. Matt 2:6), most of us have a passing familiarity with Micah’s prophecy naming Bethlehem as the town of the Savior’s birth. But we need to reflect on the whole prophecy, not just the specification of place of birth! Micah points out about the coming Christ that “He shall BE peace.” Not just “He will bring peace,” but “He shall BE peace.” In other words, the very Person of Christ is intrinsically united to His mission. As the saying goes, “Know Christ, know peace. No Christ, no peace!”
The Letter to the Hebrews (second reading) mentions in regard to Christ, “You (viz., God the Father) have prepared a body for Me (viz., God the Son).” What a beautifully blunt biblical explanation of the Incarnation! Christ, who came to do the will of God, consecrated all humanity through the offering of His own body.
In the Gospel of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, a crucial pro-life insight reminds us that the Word of God was made flesh, having assumed the body prepared for Him, nine months before His birth! In fulfillment of the prophecies, the presence of Jesus is the very presence of joy and peace, as already His presence is recognized and hailed, first by Elizabeth’s unborn son John, then by Elizabeth herself.
Taken together, these readings paint the theological backdrop that brings the sublimity of the Christmas wonder into focus. The Word of God became flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14). In His physical person, He is peace! The presence of His body, even when in the tiny form of the zygote developing in Mary’s womb, or the tiny form of the consecrated Eucharist, is the very presence of joy and peace!
Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 79(80):2-3,15-16,18-19 (4); Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45
From today’s readings: “ You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to be ruler in Israel.... Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from Heaven.... a body You prepared for Me.... Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled....”
The Biblical Background of the Birth
Because it is quoted in the Gospel passage in answer to the Magi’s inquiry (cf. Matt 2:6), most of us have a passing familiarity with Micah’s prophecy naming Bethlehem as the town of the Savior’s birth. But we need to reflect on the whole prophecy, not just the specification of place of birth! Micah points out about the coming Christ that “He shall BE peace.” Not just “He will bring peace,” but “He shall BE peace.” In other words, the very Person of Christ is intrinsically united to His mission. As the saying goes, “Know Christ, know peace. No Christ, no peace!”
The Letter to the Hebrews (second reading) mentions in regard to Christ, “You (viz., God the Father) have prepared a body for Me (viz., God the Son).” What a beautifully blunt biblical explanation of the Incarnation! Christ, who came to do the will of God, consecrated all humanity through the offering of His own body.
In the Gospel of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, a crucial pro-life insight reminds us that the Word of God was made flesh, having assumed the body prepared for Him, nine months before His birth! In fulfillment of the prophecies, the presence of Jesus is the very presence of joy and peace, as already His presence is recognized and hailed, first by Elizabeth’s unborn son John, then by Elizabeth herself.
Taken together, these readings paint the theological backdrop that brings the sublimity of the Christmas wonder into focus. The Word of God became flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14). In His physical person, He is peace! The presence of His body, even when in the tiny form of the zygote developing in Mary’s womb, or the tiny form of the consecrated Eucharist, is the very presence of joy and peace!
posted by FrPitstick | 12/23/2006
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