My Reflections on the 4th Week of Advent

Today, Sunday December 22nd, 2024, my initial plans didn’t work out, so I decided to attend the 11:00 am Mass at St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Sayville for the 4th week of Advent celebration. It was the last Sunday mass before Christmas and it was an epic experience, and I felt truly blessed by the Word and connections with fellow Believers in Christ.  

The first reading was from the Prophet Micah (Micah 5:1-4), prophesied the coming of the Messiah, a ruler whose kingship would be like none before, one marked by peace, justice, and righteousness. Micah’s vision was of a world without war, hatred, or cronyism, and his prophecy pointed to the Lord’s divine rule. 

The second reading from (Hebrews 10:5-10) emphasized our Lord Jesus doing the will of the Father. It reminds us to reflect: Do we hear God’s voice in our lives amid the distractions of modern living? Through prayer and meditation on the Word of God, we must strive to tune into His presence rather than tuning it out. Ask God for His will to be done in us. 

Then the Gospel reading (Luke 1:39-45) highlighted Mary, the Mother of our Lord, visiting Elizabeth. Elizabeth declared, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” I know Catholics have been accused over the years for worshipping Mary. We don't worship her, we honor her as the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Messiah. 

The sight of Mary brought profound joy to Elizabeth because she was carrying the eternal Word Himself, Jesus Christ. Even John the Baptist, still in the mother's womb, leapt for joy. Just imagine that!  

As we celebrate Christ’s birth this Christmas, we are called to bring similar joy to every home we visit and every person we meet out there in the world wherever we are. This joy in us is made possible through the Holy Eucharist we receive at Mass and the Word with carry in our hearts. Once the bread and wine are consecrated, transubstantiation, they become the true Body and Blood of Christ. Receiving this sacrament therefore empowers us to be disciples and missionaries, sharing Christ’s peace and presence with the world around us.  

While giving gifts at Christmas is wonderful, the best gifts we can give is by forgiving others for their wrongs done to us, seeking the opportunities for confessions of our wrongs to God's will for us, and loving wholeheartedly. By bringing joy and peace to those around us: family, friends, and our colleagues, we truly reflect the spirit of Christmas, the birth of Christ our savior.  

Merry Christmas 

Go in peace! 

God bless!

Ronnie Law