4th Sunday of Advent Year B
2 Samuel 7: 1-5. 8b-12.14a.16 Romans16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38
Theme: Appreciation Attracts the Blessings of God
Today is the fourth Sunday of advent Year B. As we get closer to the celebration of the nativity of Jesus Christ at Christmas, our liturgy gives us an insight into the message of the Angel that gave rise to the birth of Jesus Christ. The yes of our Mother Mary to the message of the Angel gave rise to the feast we are preparing to celebrate in no distant time. Saying yes to the message of the Angel has an implication for her as a young woman. However, Mary was more concerned with going along with the message of the Angel, than considering the implication of her ‘Yes’ and what it will do to her image amongst the people. The response of Mary to the message of the Angel is a challenge to you and I as Christians and followers of Christ. We must learn to let go and let God in the different situations we find ourselves in life. Especially in situations that are not completely clear to us, and we do not understand, just like in the situation of Mary. At such moments, just trust God and rely on him, he will never disappoint you.
The first reading also points out the love and faithfulness of God. In appreciation to God for what he has done, David decided to build a house for God. But he was stopped by God and his action attracted God’s blessings to him and his household. David had a covenant with God, because of his appreciation for what God has done for him. In the same way, we are all encouraged to emulate the action of David by appreciating what God is doing in our lives. As we resolve to do this, we will attract more blessings from God to ourselves and our families. Always remember that we can never out do God in generosity. The efforts we make to appreciate him in our lives, he replenishes in many ways. As we continue to prepare for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us make effort to emulate the appreciation of David and the availability of our Mother Mary in our daily lives and experience the blessings of God in a unique way.
The response to our Psalm for this Sunday should never depart from our lips. It says, “I will sing forever of your mercy, O Lord”. It is a way of appreciating the wonders of God in our lives, and he is always worthy of our praise. In view of this, let us all resolve to imbibe these two great attributes of appreciation and availability in our daily lives and watch how God will embarrass us with his blessings. This same appreciation is seen in the second reading, as St. Paul gives glory to God for giving him the strength to preach the Good News. The more we appreciate what God is doing in our lives, the more he blesses us.
May God grant us the grace to make good use of these wonderful attributes in our lives at all times, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you!