1. Sunday Readings Commentary and Reflections 4 th Sunday of Advent C December 20, 2015 In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 1st reading: Micah 5,1-4a 1 Thus says the Lord, “You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. 2 (Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, and the rest of his brethren shall return to the children of Israel.) 3 He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; And they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; 4 he shall be peace. The focus is on the ruler/shepherd (Christ)

3. Textual Context of Micah 5,1-4a Part I Series of Threats (1-3) Part II Series of Promises (4-5) Part III Series of Threats (poems) (6,1-7,7) Part IV Series of Promises (7,8-20)

4. Micah of Moresheth

5. 1st reading: Micah 5,1-4a 1Thus says the Lord, “You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. 2 Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, and the rest of his brethren shall return to the children of Israel. 3 He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; And they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; 4 he shall be peace. Commentary In v.1, Micah, a prophet in the countryside, in the periphery, away from Jerusalem, from the center, prophesies that from that little barrio of Bethlehem will come a ruler of the whole land of Israel. The ruler has deep roots in the ancient history of Israel. V.2 refers to the mother of the ruler. In v.3, the ruler (king) will not be a weakling. He will be a leader who is determined to implement rules. In v.3b, those who remain may refer to those governed by the king. “They shall remain…” (They shall not be driven away.) V.4 affirms that the ruler will bring peace.

6. Reflections on the 1 st reading It is but proper for us to anticipate with joy the coming of a good leader. We have been deprived for so many years, many a generation, of a good leader. We should not belittle anyone, anything, any place, for it might become the source of good leadership. (O Bethlehem, you’re not the least…) Jesus is the ruler who brings security and peace. Foreign invaders (colonizers, imperialists, oppressors, abortionists, corruptors) will not succeed in their scheme in the face of Jesus.

7. To be truly Christian, we must align ourselves with Christ (who defends his people), not with the “outsider” whose purpose is to manipulate us, get all our money, resources and dignity, by all means. In this season of Advent, we await Jesus, who is rooted in God, who represents God, who shepherds (feeds and guides) his people according to the plan of God. We Christians must be prepared to be ruled, guided, shepherded by Jesus and to adopt his means to peace. No to leaders who oppose Jesus’ teachings.

8. Resp. Psalm Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. 2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. 3 Rouse your power, and come to save us. 15 Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; 16 take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. 18 May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. 19 Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name.

9. Resp. Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. 2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. 3 Rouse your power, and come to save us. 15 Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; 16 take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. 18 May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. 19 Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. Commentary The responsorial psalm is a prayer to conversion, to see God face to face and to be saved. In v.2, the psalmist addresses God as the Shepherd of Israel. V.3 asks God to show his power and salvation. In v.15, the psalmist addresses the Lord of hosts (the majestic God). V.16 appeals to God –To take care of the vine (son of man) –To protect the one whom he has strengthened. V.18 asks God to help the man, whom he has made strong. V.19 states the result: no more turning away from God. V.19b is a prayer for new life and a promise to pray always.

10. Reflections on the Psalm In our prayer, we must be conscious that we are addressing ourselves to the great God. We should pray for the more fundamental things, like his rule over us, his protection, his providence. We also pray that we may be always loyal to him. Jesus represents the kingship of God to us. Jesus represents us before God’s throne.

11. 2 nd reading: Hebrews 10,5-10 5 When he came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight in. 7 Then I said, 'As is written of me in the scroll, Behold, I come to do your will, O God.'“ 8 First he says, Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in." These are offered according to the law. 9 Then he says, "Behold, I come to do your will." He takes away the first to establish the second. 10 By this "will," we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. The focus is on doing the will of God.

12. 2 nd reading: Hebrews 10,5-10 Offering sacrifices 5 When he came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight in. Doing God’s will 7 Then I said, 'As is written of me in the scroll, Behold, I come to do your will, O God.'“ Offering sacrifices 8 First he says, Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in." These are offered according to the law. Doing God’s will 9 Then he says, "Behold, I come to do your will." He takes away the first to establish the second. 10 By this "will," we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. A simple outline!

13. Textual Context of Heb 10,5-10 I. 1:5--2:18 The name superior to the angels (Eschatology) II. 3: 1--5:10 Jesus faithful and compassionate (Ecclesiology) III. 5: 11--10:39The central exposition (Sacrifice) IV. 11:1--12: 13 Faith and endurance (Ecclesiological paraenesis) V. 12: 14--13:19 The peaceful fruit of justice (Eschatology).

14. 2 nd reading: Hebrews 10,5-10 Offering sacrifices 5 When he came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight in. Doing God’s will 7 Then I said, 'As is written of me in the scroll, Behold, I come to do your will, O God.'“ Offering sacrifices 8 First he says, Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in." These are offered according to the law. Doing God’s will 9 Then he says, "Behold, I come to do your will." He takes away the first to establish the second. 10 By this "will," we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Commentary In vv.5-6, the author reports that according to Christ, God does not like sacrifices and holocausts, but a body prepared (community, church prepared). In v.7, Christ does God’s preference: doing his will. V.8 repeats vv.5-6. It adds a commentary: The offerings are done according to the law (of Moses). V.9 repeats v.7. In v.9b, Christ supersedes the Mosaic law (of Temple practices). In v.10, we are consecrated because of God’s will. God’s will for Jesus is to offer himself to God (to suffer martyrdom) once and for all.

15. Reflections on the 2 nd reading The Messiah comes to do God’s will: to offer himself as a sacrifice, to be hurt, to be wounded and to die for humankind. He is not here to repeat the old traditions that have no more relevance. God’s will is always timely. Like the Messiah, we are always asked by God to give ourselves to others. It must not become a routine. We must always find new ways to give ourselves to others. Remember the demands of the New Evangelization.

16. Gospel reading: Luke 1,39-45 39 During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." The focus of the reading is on joy.

17. Gospel reading: Luke 1,39-45 39 During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." Commentary The text is entitled the Visitation. Mary visits Elizabeth (pregnant for about 6 months). Luke portrays the encounter between two mothers. Old mother, Elizabeth, post-menopausal stage, is not supposed to get pregnant. Young mother, Mary, just had her period, not supposed to be pregnant because she has no husband. The two characters portray joy in their hearts as they believe God has intervened in their lives. Mary goes in haste to Ain Karem (where Elizabeth is). Mary greets her upon arrival. Elizabeth acknowledges her greetings: Who am I? - an expression of joy. Even the baby inside the womb leaps for joy (twice reported). That blessedness in v.45 is an expression of joy (happy are you for you believed).

18. Further commentary The visitation of Mary to Elizabeth is part of the series of joyful events that lead to the joyful birth of Christ. The story of the visitation is meant to stir up our imagination to engage in the realm of the divine. The story seems to be very ordinary, but it evokes a lot of joyful feelings: the feeling of Elizabeth, now healed from sterility; now a mother, not yet too late; the feeling of Zechariah, prayer answered (though not mentioned in the text) ; baby John, Jesus is brought close to him.

19. Further commentary The encounter is not just the encounter of two women, mothers, but also two unborn children, one is able to react now (6 months). In a mysterious way, Elizabeth knows that Mary is the mother of God. Her awareness is affirmed by the reaction of baby John. The reading celebrates the coming (advent) of Jesus to John, to the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth, done possible by the young Mary running up and down the hill, to help her in childbearing.

20. Reflections on the gospel reading Joy is the by-product of saying Yes to the Lord. Joy is the fruit of believing in the Word of God (announced by the angel). Joy is made possible through the encounter of two persons who believe God has intervened in their lives. More joy awaits in the events to come. We have joy if we stand in awe in face of mysteries. To the incredulous, no joy is possible. Are you joyful? Joy is not only for the young.

21. Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The 1 st reading talks about the coming of a good ruler, from a humble place. This should be a source of rejoicing for those who are also put down. The psalm acknowledges God’s power as ruler over us. The 2 nd reading talks about Christ who does the will of God. The gospel reading talks about the visitation which is a joyful encounter of two expectant mothers. The preacher must focus on the meaning of visitation.

22. How to develop your homily/sharing Begin by narrating your story about your visit to your friends or relatives masaya ( masaya, good food, treated very well, felt important, etc. ) or when you were visited by others. By nature, visits should provoke joy in us, because we are given importance. Visits usually are friendly. You cannot visit a person who is not your friend; you cannot go to a house without his/her permission.

23. We must distinguish between visitation and bwisitation, as we say in Tagalog. To go to a house in order to make war or to scold someone is not a visitation according to our texts. According to the gospel, Mary visits Elizabeth (to help her in giving birth or do some house chores as Elizabeth gives birth (though not explicitly said). Three months later Mary goes home. Mary does not overstay.) Mary’s visit brings joy to Elizabeth and her baby. Mary’s faith in the word of God makes her blessed (happy). Mary was not punished (like Zechariah, who at first did not believe in the angel at the Temple in Jerusalem, so he became dumb). Mary believed right away in the angel who visited her at Nazareth.

24. The first reading does not explicitly talk about visitation, but God sending a prophet to announce something good (the coming of a ruler) is a form of visitation. Who is not happy to hear that in a humble place like Bethlehem (periphery), a good ruler/leader will rise? We must look forward to his coming (visitation). We call him “the Messiah.” When he comes and rules over us, there will be peace and joy. He is a good shepherd/leader.

25. Likewise, the second reading does not explicitly talk about visitation. Instead, it talks about doing the will of God. Jesus’ mission is not tied down to ritualism. The purpose of Jesus’ coming is to do the will of God. Jesus concludes his coming (visitation), by shedding his blood for all mankind.

26. We must discern how best we can do the will of God for us. But first, we must discern our particular mission. Definitely, our mission is not to repeat what has been repeated a million times. God demands that we express our love in a new and heroic manner. Take note of the demands of the New Evangelization and the Year of Mercy and Compassion and Year of Family and Eucharist.

27. The gospel reading teaches us how to react to God’s visitation. We should rejoice when we hear of Jesus’ coming (through his Word and Sacrament). Like Elizabeth welcoming Mary, we should welcome Jesus with joy. Like John, we should leap with joy ( lukso, talon ). We should acknowledge the presence of Jesus to have joy.

28. According to the Message of the Synod of Bishops that met in October 2012, we, the Church people, must form welcoming communities in which the outcasts find a home (3 rd point). We must throw wide open the doors of our churches and convents to sinners. God awaits their conversion there.

29. In the eucharist, Jesus comes down to visit us, to give us joy. Jesus who has both great (divine, heavenly) and humble beginnings (in Bethlehem) comes to shepherd us in the eucharist. In the eucharist, Jesus sends us to visit our brethren, to bring them joy.

30. Our Context of Sin and Grace Unwanted visitors Nuisance Gate crashers Overstaying visitors Stuck to ritualism Inhospitable Nuisance, pest House visitation Visiting the sick and imprisoned Surprise visit Hospitable Good leaders Welcoming Accommodating

31. Suggested Songs O Come O Come Emmanuel Halina Jesus Halina