4th Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners,

We have a very short Fourth Week of Advent this year—only twenty-four (24) hours. This Sunday we read the story of the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary about the birth of Jesus. This story is found only in Luke’s Gospel. On this fourth Sunday of Advent, the liturgy shifts our attention from John the Baptist to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Both John and Mary serve as important figures for our reflection during the season of Advent; they both played instrumental roles in preparing the way for Jesus. Last week we reflected on John the Baptist’s announcement that the Savior was among us, although not yet recognized.

Monday, December 25 th is the long-anticipated day— Christmas. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus is born as one of the poor. Laid in a manger in a stable, because there was no room at the inn, he comes into the world through obscure and surprising means. Yet, as the angel proclaims this good news to the shepherds, this infant is announced as the Messiah and Lord. In the song of the angels, all are invited to give glory to God for this miraculous birth, in which God comes to share our humanity. The angels sing that Jesus' coming brings peace. Yet there is little in the details of this Gospel that gives evidence of peace. Jesus is born as a traveler away from home, born in a stable in a crowded city under the occupation of foreigners. The appearance of the angel to the shepherds frightens them. When the angels proclaim Jesus' birth as the harbinger of “peace on earth”, the evangelist Luke clearly wants us to take the long view. The shepherds are invited to claim a faith that will enable them to see this infant as a sign God's promise of a messiah. It is through such faith that one finds the peace of which the angels sing.

The Mass for Christmas Eve will be: Sunday, December 24 at 5:00 P.M. This will be the Solemn Christmas Mass, traditionally referred to as Midnight Mass. Mass on Christmas Day will be at 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M.

As we continue to reflect on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, there will be a study on Jesus and the Eucharist, beginning on February 19, 2024. Sign-up sheets are available at all the entrances of the Church. Please see the letter and flyer in today’s bulletin for further information.

I would like to wish each of you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas! Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor for the past ten years.

Merry Christmas!