ADVENT DIGEST with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

 December 21st

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word 

Song of Solomon 2:8-14

Luke 1:39-45

Theme:

Reflection 

Today, we joyfully proclaim:  "O Óriens" in our acclamation reflecting the dawn of the East, Brightness of the light eternal, and Sun of justice: Pleading for His coming to enlighten all that are in darkness and in the shadow of death. 

It is on account of this, that the Table of the Word called to mind the virtue of love, joy and Visitation. The first reading taken from the Song of Solomon 2:8-14, we read a beautiful passage about the love and longing between two people. A clear example of God's unfathomable love upon us. 

On the other hand, the Gospel pericope according to Evangelist Luke 1:39-45, we read the story of the Visitation, in which Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth and they rejoice together in their pregnancies. This kind gesture of our Mother Mary is an invitation to a life of being there for one another in moment of need. 

However, on this beautiful day in the second part of the Advent spiritual experience we are exhorted to cultivate a deeper sense of love and joy in our hearts. And at the same time the way in which we can be present and supportive to one another when need arises. That is our availability no matter the situation we find ourselves as the shoulder to be lean on by those who are weak. 

Obviously,  it is in living out this Gospel values that we can be convinced that we are on the right track to level the mountains in our hearts and filling the pot holes of malice, envy and hatred that may obstruct the coming of our Saviour into our souls.

 

Finally, let us therefore set out into the street of our domains as Jesus did to put a smile on the face of a soul today, or reachout to those who hurt us or those whom we hurt to seek for reconciliation.

+ May the Lord bless His words in our heart. Amen.

Let us pray

Hear in kindness, O Lord, the prayers of your people, that those who rejoice at the coming of your Only Begotten Son in our flesh, may, when at last he comes in glory, gain the reward of eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE 21122024