Daily Catholic Lectio
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Micah 5:2-5a. Psalm 80. Hebrews 10:5-10. Luke 1:39-45
The Coming of Love
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the Angel’s Candle, symbolizing love. The prophet Micah assures us in today’s first reading, “The Lord will grant peace!” This peace flows from God’s profound love for humanity.
The readings today highlight the advent—the coming—of three key figures:
(a) The promised king in the first reading, who will shepherd Israel, arises from humble Bethlehem.
(b) Jesus, the High Priest, as the second reading declares, enters the world to offer Himself for humanity’s salvation.
(c) Mary, the Virgin Mother, journeys from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea to visit her cousin Elizabeth.
(a) The King of Love
Micah’s prophecy (Mic 5:2-5) foresees the Messiah as a shepherd-king born in Bethlehem, not Jerusalem. This humble birthplace, “small among the clans of Judah,” highlights the transformative power of love: what seems insignificant becomes the source of peace and restoration.
Unlike the rulers of Jerusalem, who oppressed their people, the Messiah will protect and nurture them like a true shepherd. His reign will bring peace and security. This prophecy finds its fulfilment in Jesus, the Son of David, who embodies God’s love by leading His flock with compassion.
(b) The High Priest of Love
The second reading (Heb 10:5-10) presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest. Unlike the sacrifices of the old covenant, which became mere rituals, Jesus offers His very body in obedience to the Father’s will. Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Jesus completes God’s plan of salvation.
Love, as Jesus shows, is self-giving. By taking on human flesh, He sets aside His divine glory to fulfill the will of the Father, bringing redemption to humanity. His perfect obedience teaches us that love seeks not its own desires but the good of the other.
(c) The Mother of Love
The Gospel (Lk 1:39-45) recounts Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth. After receiving the angel’s message, Mary “sets out in haste” to serve her cousin. Her journey is an act of love—bringing joy, comfort, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Elizabeth’s greeting reflects the depth of Mary’s faith and love: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” Mary’s love is not passive; it moves her to action. Her humility and willingness to serve mirror the essence of true love.
Lessons on Love
The three arrivals—of the king, Jesus, and Mary—teach us profound truths about love:
(a) Love bears responsibility
The king from Bethlehem becomes a shepherd who protects and provides for his people. True love takes responsibility for the well-being of others. It grows from small acts of kindness into a powerful force for good.
(b) Love seeks no self-interest
Jesus’ incarnation is the ultimate expression of selfless love. By aligning His will with the Father’s, He teaches us that love means surrendering our preferences for the sake of others.
(c) Love moves towards others
Mary’s journey to Elizabeth demonstrates love in action. Love is never static—it compels us to reach out, to serve, and to bring joy to others. As Saint Francis de Sales reflects, Mary’s humility and love inspire her to share the Holy Spirit’s presence with Elizabeth.
A Prayer for Love
The responsorial psalm (Ps 80) pleads, “Restore us, O Lord God Almighty!” As we light the candle of love, let us pray that God ignites within us a love that grows, serves, and transforms. May we, like Mary, carry the presence of Christ to those around us, becoming true bearers of His peace and joy.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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