St Edburga's

Reflection for 22nd December 2024

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Micah 5.2-5a, Hebrews 10.5-10, Luke 1.39-45

The fourth Sunday of Advent draws us closer to the mystery of the Incarnation, and the readings from Micah and Luke invite us to ponder God’s ways of bringing forth salvation. In Micah 5:2-5a, we see God’s promise to raise a ruler from Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town. Bethlehem, small and overlooked, becomes the birthplace of the eternal King, emphasizing that God works through the humble and unexpected. St. Augustine marvelled at this divine reversal, observing how the Creator of the universe entered history not through a display of power but through lowliness, making the seemingly insignificant the vessel of divine greatness.

In Luke 1:39-45, Mary, newly aware of her unique role in God’s plan, visits Elizabeth. Their encounter, filled with joy and the stirring of the Spirit, reveals the profound truth that God’s promises bring life. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims Mary as “blessed” for her faith in God’s word. This meeting of two women—both chosen by God in their humility—illustrates the joy and fruitfulness that flow from obedience and trust. Mary’s journey to Elizabeth reflects not only her physical movement but also her interior journey of faith, humility, and love.

The early Church Fathers often reflected on the profound humility and faith of Mary. St. Ambrose called Mary the “model of the Church,” a pure and faithful servant who magnifies the Lord in all she does. She embodies perfect discipleship: hearing God’s word, trusting in His promise, and acting with love. Her visit to Elizabeth demonstrates her readiness to serve, even as she bears the Son of God within her. Mary’s self-giving reminds us that authentic faith always moves outward in love and service.

Elizabeth’s response, inspired by the Spirit, recognizes not only Mary’s role but also the presence of Christ in her womb. St. John Chrysostom saw in Elizabeth’s greeting an image of the Church’s joyful recognition of Christ. The infant John leaping in her womb symbolizes the human heart’s natural response to the presence of God. In this moment, Elizabeth and John represent all of humanity, called to rejoice at the nearness of the Saviour.

These passages challenge us to embrace God’s ways, even when they seem hidden or small. Like Bethlehem, we may feel insignificant, but God can work through us when we surrender in humility. Like Mary, we are called to trust in God’s promises and act in faith, even when the path is unclear. And like Elizabeth, we are invited to recognize Christ in our midst, rejoicing in His presence and proclaiming His greatness.

As Advent concludes, we are urged to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. This preparation involves humility, as we acknowledge our need for Him; faith, as we trust in His promises; and love, as we serve others. The challenge is to imitate Mary’s attitude—her wholehearted yes to God—and carry Christ into the world through our words and deeds. How will you respond to His presence and share His joy with those around you?

Reflection for 25th December 2024

Christmas Day

Isaiah 52.7-10, Hebrews 1.1-4, John 1.1-14

On Christmas Day, the Church proclaims the fulfilment of God’s eternal promise of salvation through the readings from Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4, and John 1:1-14. Together, these texts unfold the beauty and mystery of the Incarnation, inviting us to rejoice in God’s astonishing gift of Himself to humanity.

In Isaiah 52:7-10, we hear the exultant cry, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.” This proclamation heralds the ultimate victory of God: His reign of peace, salvation, and comfort for His people. The image of God “baring His holy arm” underscores the strength and decisiveness of His intervention in history. The early Church Fathers saw this as a prophecy of Christ’s coming, where God’s power is revealed not in might but in the vulnerability of a child born in Bethlehem. St. Cyril of Alexandria taught that in the Incarnation, God’s glory was made visible to all nations, bringing peace and redemption to the world through His Son.

The Letter to the Hebrews continues this theme, reminding us that God, who spoke in many ways through the prophets, has now spoken definitively through His Son. In Hebrews 1:1-4, Christ is revealed as the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His being. The Son, through whom all things were created, has now entered creation to restore it. St. Athanasius reflected on this profound truth, writing that in Christ, God became man so that man might be drawn into the divine life. This mystery surpasses human comprehension, yet it reveals the depth of God’s love for us. The eternal Word, who upholds all things, humbles Himself to be born as one of us, bringing purification for our sins and reconciling us to the Father.

Finally, the majestic prologue of John 1:1-14 declares that the Word, who was with God and is God, “became flesh and dwelt among us.” In this single verse lies the heart of Christmas: the eternal, uncreated Word entered time, taking on human nature to dwell with His people. St. Augustine marvelled at this paradox, proclaiming that the one who created Mary was born of Mary, and the one who made the stars lay beneath them in a manger. The Incarnation is God’s ultimate act of self-giving, bridging the infinite divide between Creator and creature.

This divine gift calls us to respond. The Word became flesh so that we might become children of God, sharing in His light and life. Yet, as John reminds us, the world often fails to recognize or receive Him. The celebration of Christmas is an invitation to open our hearts anew to the Word made flesh, allowing His light to transform us and guide our lives.

Today, we are called to proclaim this good news, just as the prophet Isaiah foretold. Christ’s coming is not only a gift to be cherished but a truth to be shared. How will you bring His light to others? Will your life bear witness to the glory of the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us?

Blessings and prayers,

Emma

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