On this last Sunday before Christmas, the Church’s Liturgy reveals the true identity of our Redeemer: he is, as today’s First Reading says, the “ruler…whose origin is from…ancient times.” He will come from Bethlehem, where David was born of Jesse the Ephrathite and anointed king. God promised that an heir of David would reign on his throne forever.

Jesus is that heir, the One the prophets promised would restore the scattered tribes of Israel into a new kingdom. He is “the shepherd of Israel” sung of in today’s Psalm. From His throne in heaven, He has “come to save us.” Today’s Epistle tells us that He is both the Son of David and the only “begotten” Son of God, come “in the flesh.” He is also our “high priest,” from the mold of the mysterious Melchizedek, “priest of God Most High,” who blessed Abraham at the dawn of salvation history.

All this is recognized by John the Baptist when he leaps for joy in his mother’s womb. Elizabeth blesses Mary for her faith that God’s Word would be fulfilled in her.

Mary marks the fulfillment not only of the angel’s promise to her, but of all God’s promises down through history. Mary is the one they await in today’s First Reading, “she who is to give birth.” And the fruit of her womb should bring us joy—she is the mother of our Lord.

God gives us supernatural joy with hope in his promises: there is a certain paradox for those “blessed” by the Lord. Mary was given the “blessedness” of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. Anselm, a teacher and Archbishop of Canterbury, spoke these words in a homily: “Without God’s Son nothing could exist; without Mary’s son, nothing could be redeemed.” To be chosen by God is an awesome privilege and responsibility. Mary received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. Her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises.

Jesus promised his disciples that “no one will take your joy from you.” The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take away. Therefore, we shall put our trust in the Lord Jesus in all the situations of our lives. Lord, increase our faith more as we go through our joys and our sorrows. Let your will be done in our lives.

Love and prayers,

Fr. Charley