Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Saviour – the entrance antiphon of the Fourth Sunday of Advent channels our thoughts directly into the Nativity of the Lord. The long-expected Saviour is like life-giving dew for a drouthy earth. This metaphoric language of the Prophet Isaiah well expresses our spiritual desire for Jesus Christ and His precious gifts of love, joy and peace, and also for the Christmas atmosphere of family gatherings, carols, decorations and presents.
In today’s passage of the Gospel we find Mary hastening to the hill country of Judea in order to help her relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth greeted Mary with the words that have been incorporated into the one of the most basic and known prayers – “Hail, Mary”. The Blessed Virgin through her attitude of helping others, regardless her own needs, teaches us how to truly love our neighbours. Let the last week of Advent give us an opportunity to complete all the preparations for upcoming Christmas. May our hearts and homes be ready to once again host the Lord!
The second part of Advent, which we began on December 17th , has no other memorials or feast of Saints but focuses on the immediate preparation for Christmas.
God bless,
Fr. Peter