Click December 13 music for prelude.
Click December 13 to review Gospel text.
Reflection: We are told of “a man sent from God” whose name was John. The Baptist came, St. John tells us, “as a witness to testify to the light,” for he was not, himself, the light. From time immemorial, God has sent messengers, spokespersons. Think of all the prophets and patriarchs of Israel, indeed of every sage, philosopher, artist, or poet who has communicated something of God’s truth and beauty. All of these could be characterized as witnesses to the light. The point is that the one to whom the Baptist bears witness is someone qualitatively different, not one more bearer of the Word, however impressive, but the Word himself. What is being held off here is the tendency – as prevalent today as in the ancient world – to domesticate Jesus and turn him into one more in a long line of prophets and seers. (Bishop Barron, commentary, p. 462, The Word on Fire Bible, The Gospels)
Click December 20 music for prelude.
Click December 20 to review Gospel text.
Reflection: Today’s gospel shows how Mary became the mother of all the members of the Body of Christ. At the Annunciation, the angel declared to the maiden at Nazareth: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God." The two persons required for the Incarnation were, in other words, the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother.
Then we can recall that from the cross, Jesus pronounced this word to St. John: Son, behold your mother.” He was giving Mary, not only John but through John to the whole Church. Mary would be the mother of all the beloved disciples of Jesus up and down the centuries. (Bishop Barron, Advent Gospel Reflections, p. 61, Word on Fire Catholic Ministries)