Friday, December 21, 2007

Friday of the Third Week of Advent


Commemoration of Saint Peter Canisius,

Priest and Doctor

Biographical Information about St. Peter Canisius[1]

Readings for Friday of the Third Week of Advent[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Song of Songs 2:8-14

From the Song of Songs we are given a love song – in this instance the bride seeing her love approach. The time of their meeting draws near and she begs for the time they can be together; “Let me see you, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and you are lovely." This reading is a favorite at weddings for obvious reasons. Placed here, on the verge of Christmas tide, we see a more complete purpose as the Church rejoices in the coming of her bridegroom, Christ.

Or
Zephaniah 3:14-18a

The Prophet Zephaniah begins this passage with an exaltation to praise to God. His invitation sounds in the present tense but then we hear; “On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem…” which places the event, the rejoicing over the Lord God being in their midst, in the future. In effect this is a prediction of events to come. Zephaniah also includes the effects of God’s presence as he says; “a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love”.

We hear the expectation of the Messiah; “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst”. In this case the effects of the Messiah on the people are the focus.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

This hymn of praise is an invitation to those who follow the Lord to rejoice in His grace. The theme of breathless anticipation is again expressed as the psalmist sings; “Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield,” The sense of renewed passion for the Lord is captured in the response which is taken from the first verse of this psalm.

Gospel Luke 1:39-45

St. Luke’s nativity story continues today with Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth. In this passage we see the first meeting between John the Baptist (the child in Elizabeth’s womb) and Jesus (now growing in Mary’s). Here also is one of the foundational scripture passages for the “Hail Mary” prayer “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”. This greeting of Elizabeth’s sets the stage for the beautiful Canticle of Mary which follows immediately.

Reflection:

Our Advent Journey continues today as we hear the next installment of the preamble to the actual nativity of the Lord. The story continues today with Mary’s trip to visit her Cousin Elizabeth and we hear how when Mary’s voice reached Elizabeth’s ears, the child in her womb who was John the Baptist, leapt for joy. We can only imagine the feeling of awe and joy that must have come over her?

Elizabeth’s response was one very familiar to us: “blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”. We couple this quote with one from the Archangel Gabriel who at Mary’s Annunciation said; “Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with you.” This first part of the “Hail Mary” prayer reminds us of Mary’s unique and blessed role on fulfilling God’s saving plan through the gift of His only Son.

Our Advent journey follows the story of the coming of Jesus, which is now very close at hand. Our own preparation must be almost complete as well. Our hearts beat more rapidly as we wait for the Morniing Star that heralds the Savior’s birth.

We now turn that joyful expectation into actions that will please our God and Savior – acts of worship and acts of love and compassion to all we meet. The peace of God’s grace must flow out of us that we might have it returned and grow.

As we think about all the Holy Mother endured to bring us God’s gift, our prayer today must be one that is written on our hearts:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord be with you. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.

Pax


[1] The icon today is of “St. Peter Canisius” by contemporary artist Fr. William Hart McNichols, his work is published through St. Andrei Rublev Icons http://puffin.creighton.edu/jesuit/andre/
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

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