Year - C: Advent Week Reflections

Daily Reflection: December 21

As I reflect on the book, Song of Songs, also known as the Song of Solomon. I'm reminded that the reading invites me to embrace three distinct perspectives: the literal, allegorical, and mystical. This multifaceted approach allows me to unravel the intricate threads of divine love woven throughout the book.

Literally, I see a beautiful, romantic love story between two individuals, a celebration of human intimacy and passion. Yet, as I reflect deeper, I discern an allegorical tapestry, where their love symbolizes God's profound love for Israel or Christ's love for the Church. It is the mystical dimension that resonates most deeply within me. Here, I find the human soul's longing for divine union. As I reflect on this text, I realize that human relationships can guide us to experiencing divine love. The sacrament of marriage, in particular, offers a profound opportunity for covenantal partnership. He seals two individuals in a bond of love that echoes the divine love. I'm reminded that true love is not merely an emotional response, but a passionate pursuit of divine goodness, which enables an individual to do charity like Mother Mary in the Gospel.

Daily Reflection: December 20

Today's reflection takes us back to the 8th century BCE, during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. As we read through Isaiah 7:10-14 and Luke 1:26-38, we're reminded of the importance of trusting in God's promises and prophecies. King Ahaz refused to ask for a sign from God, nevertheless, he was given a great sign of Jesus' birth. His failure to submit before God brought him a series of unfortunate events. He sought help from Assyria, which resulted in Judah becoming a vassal state and paying a heavy tribute. Ahaz's lack of faith also led to a decline in spiritual values, with him engaging in idolatrous practices.

As we reflect on this passage, we're reminded that our choices have consequences. When we choose to trust in our strength and diplomacy rather than God's promises, we can expect unfavorable outcomes. The prophecy given to King Ahaz has a double fulfillment, first in the immediate context of Judah's history and later in the birth of Jesus Christ. This reminds us that God's plans are often bigger than our immediate circumstances. As we move forward, let's remember the importance of trusting in God's promises and prophecies. Let us learn from King Ahaz's mistakes and choose to rely on God's strength rather than our own. Mother Mary is the greatest sign of faith helping us to believe in the word of God. She believed in the words of Angel that she became the Mother of God.

Daily reflection: December 19

As I reflect on today's readings, I am reminded that allowing God to intervene in our lives enables us to be productive and fruitful. The stories of the mothers of Samson and John, who were once barren but became blessed through God's intervention, illustrate this point. Our own lives, once barren, can be transformed into fertile ground through God's power. Samson's life, consecrated from womb to tomb, exemplifies courage and fortitude. As consecrated individuals, we are called to live out this gift of fortitude. Just as Samson's hair, a symbol of his consecration, was not to be touched by a razor, so too can we trust that what is born of God's word cannot be conquered by worldly forces/sword.

Zachariah's initial disbelief did not hinder God's plan, demonstrating that God's will is fulfilled despite our doubts or fears. I firmly believe that God never fails to accomplish His plans for us. If He has predestined us to be His instruments of service, we must trust in His ways, even when they seem unclear. In discerning God's will, we are called to remain silent and listen to His voice. When the time is right, He will empower us to be His voice, proclaiming the Gospel to others.

Daily Reflection: December 18
Jeremiah 23:5-8 and Matthew 1:18-25:

A Righteous Branch: God's promise of a righteous Branch from David's line (Jeremiah 23:5-8) finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-25). This miraculous birth underscores Jesus' divine origin and His mission as Savior. Jesus is our righteous branch that declares our victory.

Fulfillment of Prophecy: The prophet Isaiah foretold the Messiah's birth from a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). The Gospel of Matthew reveals the fulfillment of this prophecy, emphasizing Jesus' role as Savior. The angel's announcement to Joseph reaffirms Jesus' identity as the one who will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Our holiness can help to conceive Jesus in our hearts.

Rebirth and Renewal: Through Jesus, we are offered the gift of rebirth and renewal. As we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, we become righteous persons, reflecting God's promise to us. This faith and transformation enable us to live a life of hope, peace, Joy, and love.

Daily Reflection: December 17

Genealogy of Jesus -

Today, we delve into Jesus' family roots, as presented in Matthew's Gospel. Matthew carefully constructs Jesus' genealogy to emphasize His connection to the Davidic lineage (Matthew 1:1-17). This ancestral link is crucial, as it establishes Jesus' royal heritage and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. It is essential to understand that Jesus' family root is not solely defined by biological ties. Rather, it's rooted in faith. As Matthew highlights, Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit, making Him the Son of God (Matthew 1:18-25).

This distinction is vital, as it underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth and His divine origin. By emphasizing Jesus' spiritual lineage, Matthew reinforces the prophecy that the Messiah would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). As we reflect on Jesus' family roots, we're reminded that our own spiritual heritage is not solely defined by our biological family ties. Rather, it's shaped by our faith and relationship with God.

Fr. Raja MSFS