We are about to start a very busy weekend in the Church. This Sunday (December 24th) is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Then Christmas arrives on Monday. That means there will be the normal Sunday Masses. Then, at 4 pm in the afternoon we start our Christmas Eve Masses. (Please be aware that some parishes are modifying their normal Sunday schedules to allow time to prepare for the Christmas Masses.) We are doing our normal schedule here at St. Mary’s and St. Benedict’s. And, yes, you do need to go to Mass twice this weekend. For more on this check out Catholic News Agency explanation in their article, “Yes, You need to Go to Mass Twice This Weekend – For Sunday and For Christmas.”

So, I will be very busy along with our Pastoral Minister and the volunteers who decorate the church. Some of our musicians and ushers are also doing double duty. We thank all of them. I am fortunate that we have deacons here. I am preaching the Masses for Christmas while one of the deacons will be preaching the Masses for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

So, I haven’t spent as much time as I usually might reflecting on the Sunday readings when of our deacons is preaching. This has allowed me to focus on my homily for Christmas. I do want to share with you one thought from the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B.

The first reading happens just the Kingdom of Israel has been established with King David settled in a palace. He realizes that he is living in a great house “while the ark of God dwells in a tent.” He speaks to Nathan the prophet who concurs that David should build a house for God. However, God stops the building before it ever begins. God tells David that it is not for him to build a house for God. It is David’s heir who will build a house for God. David’s son Solomon will build a great temple but, ultimately, it is Jesus who builds a house for God that will endure forever.

David was not wrong to desire a house for the Lord. He knows how much God has done for his people and he wants God to have a house worthy of him. God himself speaks of all He has done. We must never forget what God has done for his people and we must share it with others.

Many prophecies were fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Isaiah 7:10-14 speaks of the sign that God gives – a virgin shall bear a child. Mary’s pregnancy fulfills this. Jesus is an heir to the throne of David as the prophecies said the Messiah would be. Mary says to being the mother of Jesus.

With the above in mind, I have a question. Do you make a home for the Lord? We have great churches where Jesus lives in the Tabernacle but that is not the home of which I speak.

Do you make a home for the Lord in your heart?

Peace,

Fr. Jeff