Fresh Dew Media

 4^TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: FROM YOU SHALL COME FORTH THE KING

INTRODUCTION

The great solemnity of the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ draws near. From Bethlehem shall come forth the king; from the Angel Gabriel shall come forth the holy annunciation; from Mary shall come forth the Emmanuel and the visitation; from Elizabeth shall come forth the joy and blessed salutation of the mother of the Lord. And today as well, we have to question what shall come forth from us this holy season.

 

THE FIRST READING (MICAH 5: 2 – 5)

In the first reading, we read about Bethlehem the little or smallest city of Judah, from where shall come forth the king/ruler of Israel, the ancient of days; the one who shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord and keep them secure. We therefore encourage those who would attempt to do one outreach or the other this season. No matter how little you are like Bethlehem, how little you have, something positive can really come forth from you for the benefit or good of the people around you. You can really make a difference in the life of your villagers or community.

 

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 10: 5 – 10)

In the second reading, we are meant to understand that at the coming of the Lord, part of what should come forth from us is doing the will of the Lord not just offering sacrifices and burnt offerings. In your quest to kill cow for God, do his will first this season; your activities must align with the will of God for you and for your neighbor. And the will of God is that we should be holy and blameless before him this season; that we should be sanctified like Mary and Joseph in a righteous living.

 

THE GOSPEL READING (LK. 1: 39 – 45)

From the gospel periscope, from Mary came forth the visitation that brought blessing and joy to the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth. We shall be visiting many people or homes this season; but let it be for sharing of joy and for good and not for war/trouble. Elizabeth reciprocated by letting gracious words about Mary to come forth from her mouth. Those that would visit you this season to show you love and support/help; do not castigate or criticize them; do not slander their efforts; do not make ill/evil of their kind gestures towards you.

 

CONCLUSION

Dear friends in Christ, like Bethlehem, Angel Gabriel, Mary and Elizabeth, something must come forth from you this holy season. Let it be something related to the love, mercy and kindness of God. Let it be something as helpful and comforting as the three months visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. Let that which shall come forth from you be full the kind words of Elizabeth to Mary her kinswoman. And let what comes forth from you be good news for your brethren like the good news of the angel Gabriel to Mary. And may we all have and experience an exchange of good, positive and joyful output/outcome from every corner of our family and neighbourhood!

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin