December 9, 2018

Now that the season of Advent has begun, it is good to look at some of the people from Scripture who have key roles in these weeks before Christmas. Mary, the Mother of Jesus; Joseph; Elizabeth and Zachary, the parents of John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus come to mind quickly. The Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah are easily recognized, but Zachariah and Baruch might not be so well known, yet, each one is used in the weekday liturgies of Advent.

Mary hears the greeting of the angel Gabriel who announces that she will give birth to a son who will be the savior of the world. Though Mary does not fully understand how this will be done, she says “yes” to the message and through the power of the Holy Spirit gives birth to the Son of God. Mary is the first disciple and our model of faith.

Joseph, the spouse of Mary, receives Mary into his home. He is the faithful husband who trusts in his dream to accept Mary as his wife. He is seen as the protector of the Holy Family and the whole Church.

Elizabeth and Zachary, old and without children, receive the message from the angel Gabriel that Elizabeth will have a son who will herald the coming of the Messiah. Zachary is doubtful and becomes mute until his son John is born yet proclaims, “Blessed be the Lord.”

John the Baptist, the son of Elizabeth and Zachary, baptizes his cousin Jesus and proclaims him to be “the Lamb of God.”

This weekend we celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Mary from the frst moment of her conception is without sin. We honor her and look to her that we be faithful to her son Jesus. We also celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th. Mary appears to Juan Diego outside of Mexico City as a native Aztec pregnant girl who sends Juan Diego with the miracle of roses in December to the local bishop with the admonition to build a church.

These figures along with the Old Testament prophets guide us to being prepared for the celebration of Christmas and the Coming in Glory of Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Fr. Joe