Third Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 | Romans 16:25-27 | Luke 1:26-38
Christmas could not be closer! As we await the Lord’s coming, we can appreciate King David, in our first reading, wanting to build a proper dwelling place for the Lord, but God reminds David, via the prophet, Nathan, that God is in charge and all will take place in God’s good time!
And IF we are patient and allow God’s plan to be complete, we shall join in living the refrain in today’s Responsorial Psalm, “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” The words of the psalm reflect King David’s wish to prepare a proper dwelling place for the Lord – and may we strive to prepare our hearts for his coming and thus fulfill God’s plan to establish a throne for all time.
In St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, we can appreciate the fulfillment of the mystery which had been proclaimed yet kept secret for generations, but now is about to be revealed through Jesus!
What better way to prepare for Christmas than by recalling the account of the Annunciation to Mary? The mystery and beauty of Christmas began with a heavenly visit to a young Jewish virgin, and all moved into action with Mary’s words, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
May each of us welcome our Lord with the joy, peace, and acceptance we find in Mary’s Fiat!
Blessed Christmas to All!
Sr. Miriam Catherine Nevins, OP