Homily for Today

Welcome my brothers and sisters in Christ to the Fourth and last Sunday of Advent. In a few days, we will be celebrating Christmas, the day of the Lord's coming into the world as the incarnate God of love. I pray that all of you have had sufficient time to spiritually prepare yourselves during the Season of Advent that is coming to a closing.

Today's First Reading from the Book of Micah [Mic. 5:2-5] announced the arrival of the promised Messiah. To enjoy a greater appreciation of the prophecy of Micah which took place around 750 B.C., one must place himself back in time to a few centuries prior to the birth of Christ. In those days, Micah prophesied that until such time as the Messiah arrives to deliver Israel from its oppressors, the Jewish people will continue to be subject to other nations.

From Bethlehem of Ephrathah shall rise the King from the royal line of king David. Both Jesse and king David [1 Sam. 17:12] came from Bethlehem which is located 5-6 miles South of Jerusalem. Bethlehem which means, "house of bread" was formally known as Ephrath [Gen. 35:19] and Ephrathat. [Ruth 4:11]

The rising Messiah shall have His origin from of old, from ancient days. In other words, the Messiah shall be God Himself. That God Himself would be the Messiah is repeated in the prophecies of Malachi in 397 B.C. Malachi stated, "See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way for Me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His Temple." Here, it is announced that the messenger John the Baptist would prepare the way for God Himself. Another proof that God would come to dwell with His people is found in the prophecy of Isaiah and its fulfillment affirmed in the Gospel of Matthew where the name of the Messiah is said to be "Immanuel" which means "God is with us." [Is. 7:14; Mt. 1:23]

Micah continues by stating that Israel shall remain subject to other nations until such time as she who is in labour has brought forth. Then, God's people shall be delivered and united as one. If one tries to perceive this prophecy with a worldly mind, it will be misunderstood. Why? Because it is a reference to a spiritual delivery and freedom. It is a reference to the people's delivery from the slavery of sin through the Sacred Blood of Christ.

Regarding the woman in labour bringing forth a child, the Book of Isaiah says, "Before she was in labour, she gave birth; before her pain came upon her she delivered a son. Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be delivered in one moment?" [Is. 66:7-8] For a land to be born in one day or for a nation to be delivered in one moment, this can only be a reference to the suffering, the death, the burial and the glorious Resurrection of Christ who has overcome sin for the redemption of mankind. It can only be a reference to the eternal establishment of the abode of the saints, the spiritual Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven.

Through physical death, those who have received the Sacrament of Baptism and who have persevered in their living faith in Christ, have inherited the Kingdom of God. Once and for always, they have been freed from all human oppression, suffering, and the ongoing inner battle between the spiritual and the worldly natures.

This is the Divine truth that the promised Messiah came to announce, the Good News that fulfilled all the promises of the Old Testament. The greatness of the incarnation of God shines in love, mercy and forgiveness. It glorifies the Most Holy Name of the Lord Jesus.

The coming of Christ into the world was to put an end to the Old Covenant under the Laws of Moses. It was to put an end to the imperfect sacrifices and offerings, the burnt offerings and sin offerings. The coming of Christ into the world was to abolish the Old Covenant in order to establish the New and Everlasting Covenant that was made perfect once and for all through the sacrifice of the Blood of Christ.

Through the sacrifice of the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have been sanctified according to God's Divine Will and promises that were made during the days of the Old Testament. Through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ, during the Sacrament of Baptism, we have received the gifts of the new creation of the godly seed, the new heart and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This Sacrament can only be received once for nothing human or spiritual can surpass the new creation of the godly seed and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

As we heard during today's Gospel Reading, when Mary entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and expressed words that were eternally written in the Holy Bible. While in the presence of Elizabeth, John the Baptist, the child in the womb, was also filled with the Holy Spirit and leaped for joy.

In both cases, a spiritual manifestation came forth from those who were touched by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Equally, the coming of Jesus in the world should touch each and everyone of our hearts. From us should come forth the living water so it may flow freely towards our brothers and sisters in the love of Christ. As Elizabeth and John the Baptist expressed great joy in the presence of the Lord, we also should be expressing great joy.

On Christmas Eve, some of you will stay up until midnight to commemorate the arrival of Baby Jesus in the world. Others will wait until they rise on Christmas morning. Be it at midnight or in the morning, all should be prepared to rejoice in the coming of the Lord Jesus.

For the fullness of our joy to be complete during the anniversary of the Lord's coming into the world, our preparation demands that we receive the Lord Jesus in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist so the Lord may make His Holy dwelling in our bodily Temples.

To receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist in full preparation, we must receive the Sacrament of Confession so, in a state of grace, we will be found worthy in the eyes of God. Then, our joy shall have reached its fullness.

May the joy of the Lord come forth from each and everyone of you during this holy Season. Alleluia!