HOMILY FOR THURSDAY 3RD WEEK IN THE ADVENT SEASON, YEAR B
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY 3RD WEEK IN THE ADVENT SEASON, YEAR B
THEME: Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?
BY: Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
READINGS OF THE DAY
Zephaniah 3:14-18
Psalm 32:2-3,11-12,20-21
Luke 1:39-45
LITURGICAL COLOUR
VIOLET
INTRODUCTION
Good morning my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the 21st December of the Advent season Year B.
FROM OUR FIRST READING
our other first reading option today, we heard the words of reassurance and affirmation, telling all the people of God that their Lord and Master Who loves them all, will come to them, and all o will indeed come true, showing us how loving, patient and forgiving God has been to all of those who are dear to Him. The prophet Zephaniah came to the people of God and ministered to them during the time and reign of King Josiah of Judah, who reigned after the downfall of the northern kingdom of Israel to the Assyrians, and after many misfortunes have befallen the people of God, the kingdom of Judah and Jerusalem.
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FROM OUR GOSPEL READING
In our Gospel passage today, we heard of the story of the moment when Mary, the Mother of Our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Child within her, as she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also bearing St. John the Baptist in her own womb. We heard of the great joy which both Elizabeth and her baby, St. John the Baptist had experienced upon knowing that Mary and Our Lord Himself had come to their dwelling place. We may not realise it, but this occasion was truly a very symbolic and meaningful one as this represents the moment when the Lord came towards His people, manifesting Himself by being Incarnate and present in this world through His Mother, fulfilling all that God had promised to us.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THE GOSPEL BREADING OF TODAY?
The Gospel readingof today helps us to reflect on three great gifts of calling that we received when we were baptized.
1. First is, we are called to Mission. We are called by God to announce the Good News of salvation to our families, place of work, schools and to whomever we meet everyday. Let us bring Jesus to others by the way we live good, holy and Catholic lives. We are doing this because we experience the love of Christ in us.
2. Second is, we are called for Joy. Saint John leapt for joy with the presence of Jesus together with His mother. In other words, Jesus brings joy to those who listen and read His words, experience His presence especially in the Eucharist.
3. Third is, we are called to Trust in God. Mary lived her calling by trusting God and not only as the Mother of God. This made her kept going even at the cross.
CONCLUSION
Dear brothers and sisters, we are called to do our mission with joy and trust in the Lord in all circumstances of our lives despite trials and difficulties, suffering and disappointments. He tells us not to be afraid.
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