Sunday Reflection – 22 December 2024

Third Sunday of Advent

Also Read: Mass Readings for 22 December 2024 Homily for 22 December 2024 – Sunday

First Reading: Micah 5: 1-4a

The Humble clan from the Little town!

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old. (2)

The little clan of Ephrathah from Bethlehem is remembered even today with admiration and affection! The little town of Bethlehem cradled the Infant Saviour in its manger! The holiest family in the world trod those humble fields. God exalted not only the people but even the small and humble land!

How much more, will he exalt the humble and faithful children of his flock? In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. (3)

Alleluia, Amen!

Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 5-10

The body that God “prepared”!

When Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me. (5)

And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (10)

The reading explains to us today, how by Lord Jesus’ birth, life, passion, and resurrection we have been saved once and for all. He came in human form and ultimately left us a piece of his eternal self in the Holy Eucharist! By establishing and sharing the Holy Communion with us, Christ grafted us into his body! Therefore, we become his Body here on earth! Through God’s wondrous working, we get to become the “Body of Christ” – the body that God “prepared”! (v.5)

Thus, we can glorify the Lord through our body – by the way we live, think, do, and say!

In Jesus’ name, Alleluia! Amen!

Alleluia: Luke 1: 38

Alleluia, Alleluia! Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45

The humble girl and her cousin!

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (41)

This passage offers many layers of teachings. One of them is that Mother Mary made haste to visit her cousin! Mary may have been rejoicing in her heart about her own ‘good news’; but the moment she learnt that her cousin too was miraculously blessed, she rejoiced doubly! Are we joyful for others’ “good news”? 

Her joy carries her over miles on foot and she greets Elizabeth! The sound of her greeting fills Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit! Let us pay attention to Mother Mary’s greetings in our ears daily, so that we may be inspired by the Holy Spirit! Let us feel her gentle touch as we go about preparing our hearts and homes! Let us sing with Mama Mary, throughout our day! Let us care with our hands like Mary did. Let us seek the barren and greet them, so that the light and warmth of the Lord within us may touch those that need it!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Maranatha!