HOMILY - REV. JAMES L. NADEAU - 12-19-21 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December17,2021
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Did you notice that the moment Mary discovered she was with child she did not sit on some mystical cloud and think only of herself? Rather, she hastened immediately to Elizabeth, her cousin, to help her who was pregnant in her old age. She preferred a practical Act of Charity.
Did you also notice that when Elizabeth praises Mary in her greeting, Mary does not “thank all” the little people who made her what she was – like some Hollywood actress. She refers all to God in the magnificent. “My soul glories the Lord.” She shows us the proper attitude to have in regards to oneself and even the riches we experience in honor and praise. Everything is given to us as a gift to be used for the good of others. Mary, as seen in this visitation scene, is telling us that the true purpose of any strength or wealth is seen in the use to which it can be put to help others.
These 6 verses present for us to ponder, as we prepare, two major Christian principles for living:
Practical Acts of Charity
The true purpose of any strength is seen in the use to which it can be put to help others