Fresh Dew Media

 4^TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: MARY: A CHANNEL OF BLESSING

(Luke 1:39-45)

On this last Sunday of Advent, as we draw close to the birth of Mary's Boy Child, we are presented with the image of the little Bethlehem chosen by God to be where the ruler will come from. In a special way, we have the image of the humble mother of the Saviour, who became an instrument of divine favours and blessings to humanity. Let her be an inspiration for us as we put finishing touches on our preparations to celebrate the Nativity of Christ.

Mary was visited by the angel of God. Mary visits Elizabeth and becomes an angel (Godsent, Chizitere) to her. Mary was favoured by the visit of the Angel. Mary favours Elizabeth by her visit to her. Mary was celebrated by the heavenly beings at Annunciation. Today, Mary goes to celebrate Elizabeth by her Holy Visitation. Mary becomes the tabernacle and the monstrance. In the tabernacle, Christ is reverently preserved for adoration, from the monstrance Christ blesses His people. Mary rejoices that the blessing is not for her alone but a blessing made to be shared. Mary is gladdened by the fact that God did not remember her alone but remembered Elizabeth, too. Mary knew that she had been blessed more and was more advantaged than Elizabeth because age was no longer on her side, and so she did not hesitate to arise and offer help. She took the necessary things she needed to assist her kinswoman and spent enough time with her.

Mary's entrance into that Elizabeth's home brought joy, Elizabeth rejoiced greatly, John rejoiced in the womb, Elizabeth felt greatly honoured, and she was filled with joy and motivated to move on.

 

OUR TAKE-HOME

REACH OUT

This is a season of reaching out. Remember others in need of help. With the little you have put smile on faces. Have a plan for those you are better than.

 

GO WITH JOY

What do you travel home with this period?  How do people feel when they look out and see you coming in? After packing their belongings some people also pack some troubles to share in the village and families. Dearest in Christ, pack joy, happiness, peace, love, and blessings.

 

DON'T BE JEALOUS AND SELFISH

Some who do not have are jealous of those they think have it all. Thank God for them. The same God that blessed Mary also blessed Elizabeth. Your blessing is on the way. Remain good, making good efforts. For those who are already blessed; never think blessing fits only your family. No. Others deserve it, too. Be a point of contact for them. Connect them to success and be glad when they climb the ladder of success.

 

PRAYERS

May God remember each and every one of us and bestow upon us as individuals and community with what we need most spiritually, physically, morally, economically, politically, socially, and so on and forth. May Mary's intersessions touch God to bless us through Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless your Saturday (4th Sunday of Advent, Yr C)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh