4th Sunday of Advent
6th Day of Christmas Novena
Gospel Luke 1:39-45
“Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?” Today marks the 4th Sunday of Advent and the 6th Day of the Christmas Novena—a time steeped in anticipation and reflection. The Gospel for today, from Luke 1:39-45, recounts the profound moment when Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the divine presence within Mary, exclaiming, “Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord?” These words invite us to a similar attitude of awe and humility every time we enter a chapel or a church. Each visit to these sacred spaces is not merely a routine act but an extraordinary encounter with the Lord Himself, present in the Eucharist. Our hearts, like John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s womb, should leap with joy whenever we find ourselves before the tabernacle, for we stand in the presence of divine love and mercy. This Advent, as we draw nearer to celebrating Christ’s birth, let us cultivate a deeper awareness of the privilege and grace of being invited into His presence, allowing each visit to be marked by a spirit of reverence, gratitude, and joy. Let’s reflect: How often do I approach the presence of the Lord in the Eucharist with the same awe, joy, and humility that Elizabeth expressed, and how can I deepen my awareness of this profound encounter in my daily life?
Don Giorgio