Sunday Readings for December 20-21, Fourth Sunday of Advent
By Fr. Edward Looney | For On Mission
In talks and other writings, I have always focused on the Marian dimension of Advent, looking to the final days leading up to December 25 as the culmination of an even longer Advent.
Since the Fall of Adam and Eve, the world has awaited the promised Savior and Redeemer. The announcement by the Archangel Gabriel heralded the end of this long Advent, and Mary’s nine-month pregnancy would bring fulfillment. It is fitting to journey with Mary in the final days of Advent, given her important role in salvation history.
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, in Lectionary Cycle A, our attention is drawn to St. Joseph in the Gospel. I’ve realized his Advent and role have been overshadowed and overlooked, especially by me. It is uncertain when St. Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy. Did she immediately tell him the news? Did he learn of it by observation only after her return from the Visitation, which spanned three months? There are many opinions, both in the saints’ homilies and in cinematic expressions, that enhance our consideration and meditation on the topic.
Our Gospel today tells us, “[Mary] was found with child through the Holy Spirit. St. Joseph, her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly (Mt 1:18-19).” We can also imagine St. Joseph wrestling with what has happened, tossing and turning that night. And then the answer comes to him in a dream when the angel tells him not to be afraid to take Mary into his home.
All of this takes place during the Advent of Jesus’s birth and gives St. Joseph so much to pray, ponder, and prepare for, similar to our own prayer and preparation for Christ’s birth. I can only imagine St. Joseph had many questions about it all, but he exercised trust in the unfolding of God’s plan. At times, wonder must have filled his mind as he contemplated everything that had taken place. And in the years ahead, there would be so much more to experience.
As our houses have been decorated and the Christmas créche will soon adorn our churches, linger a bit longer at the manger scene, see the figure of St. Joseph, and think about his experiences and how you can relate to him.
As I’ve looked at St. Joseph during these days of Advent, I’ve thought of the shepherds or kings asking him, “What is his name?” And I imagine St. Joseph answering proudly with the name the angel told him, “His name is Jesus.” As we prepare to stand before the Christmas mystery, let us do so like St. Joseph, with silent wonder and deep trust, giving praise to God for his plan to save the world.
The readings for Sunday, December 21, can be found at Fourth Sunday of Advent | USCCB.
Fr. Edward Looney serves as the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawano. He is an author and podcaster, with a presence on various social media platforms under the handle @FrEdwardLooney.