Advent opens our eyes to the mystery of incarnation

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

“There is no love without forgiveness and no forgiveness without love.” — Bryant H. McGill.

In the Gospel on this last Sunday of Advent, we are presented with two pregnant women: cousins Elizabeth, miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist; and Mary, mysteriously pregnant with Jesus.

The first reading from Micah provides us with a prophetic utterance that Bethlehem, “Too small to be among the clans of Judah,” is recognized as the place from which will come “the ruler of old, whose origin is from ancient times.”

The Gospel also provides a prophetic utterance from Elizabeth as she recognizes her cousin’s pregnancy as much more than just a pregnancy. Filled with the Spirit she cries out: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

Two prophetic utterances, both are announcing the coming of the Lord. There is recognition of the holy, presence of God, fulfillment, and God’s work being done in ways unimaginable.

This last week of Advent seeks to open our eyes to the mystery of incarnation unfolding in time.

We, as the followers of Jesus Christ, are welcomed into a reflection of the hope and dream of salvation. The past dream remembered and proclaimed at Christmas is the dream realized and celebrated by us.

There is also trust and blessing revealed in the words of Elizabeth to Mary. Elizabeth doesn’t just reflect upon her personal reaction or response to Mary — although she does that, too. Rather, Elizabeth proclaims: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

What will this Christmas bring to each of us? We will again remember the birth of Jesus.

We will reflect upon and celebrate incarnation. We will rejoice with the angels that the messiah has been born and hear the good news proclaimed in their song.

But what about Elizabeth’s final words? Will they be spoken to us, also?

Will we appreciate that in baptism we have been blessed, called, anointed, chosen, loved, graced, saved, sent?

Will we hear words of fulfillment to us? Will we feel blessed and be grateful for it?

Hopefully, each of us will take Elizabeth’s words personally and truly hear them addressed to us: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Father Perry D. Leiker is pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142, or email perry.leiker@gmail.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter @MrDeano76.