4th Sunday of Advent (C) : 19th December 2021

The prophet Micah has been encouraging the people of Israel about their future. The temple will be raised high on a mountain, and all nations will see her as a holy nation. What we hear in our First Reading answers part of the question concerning how this will take place.

Israel is a small area, and other clans and nations are stronger. Micah announces that from the little town of Bethlehem, David, the great king of Israel, will come to a special person to be the awaited. This person will be of the line of David, and as with David, this ‘one’ will bring back all of Israel into the kingdom of Israel.

From the smallest shall come forth the revelation of God’s greatness. This one shall bring unity of the flock and peace within and among all nations.

The Gospel is an intimate encounter between two women of faith. Both have trusted in the secrecy of pregnancy. They both are moved to share their secrets. Their healthy secrets are those which will result in life, growth and joyfulness.

Mary has been greeted by an angel and trusts what she hears in her soul. Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting and trusts what she hears and feels within her body.

Indeed, God has come to us through our senses. Through our senses, God has come to visit and stay.

 “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”