Happy 4th Sunday of Advent! This is the shortest fourth week of Advent in recent memory—less than 24 hours! So, what are we to conclude with this day/week? This week’s responsorial psalm offers us a meditation: “For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” In fact, Psalm 89 is used for the 4th Sunday of Advent and the Christmas Vigil Mass to highlight the connection between the two seasons. The Advent season has been one of anticipation but also one of praise. We are called to sing of the Lord’s goodness to us: Mary sings of God’s greatness in her Magnificat; Paul reminds us that we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us; and Isaiah enlightens the people of Israel that God rejoices in them.
While we wait and anticipate during Advent and celebrate during Christmas, in reality, we are called to rejoice in the Lord every day. We need to discover new ways to make Christ come alive in our hearts daily. The seasons are gentle reminders of how we are called to proclaim God’s presence and mercy to the nations—not just in December, but every time we encounter someone. God is alive. Christ is present. The Holy Spirit is active. We are called to proclaim that message to the world.
On behalf of the St. Therese parish staff, I want to wish all of you a most blessed Christmas season. May the Christ Child fill your homes with peace and love.
– Msgr. John