Let’s examine some of the themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent.

1st Reading – Micah 5:1-4a

• Bethlehem is foretold to be the birthplace of the ruler of Israel.
• This ruler will stand firm and shepherd the people with peace.

Psalm – 80:2-3,15-16,18-19

• “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.”
• We call upon the Lord from heaven to come and save us so that we may have new life.

2nd Reading – Hebrews 10:5-10

• Citing Psalm 40:6-8 and 1st Samuel 15:22, we see how the sacrifices of the old covenant are now replaced with a new covenant by the once-for-all offering of the body of Jesus Christ.

Gospel – Luke 1:39-45

• This is the account of the Visitation: the meeting and exchange between Mary and Elizabeth.
• At the same time, the infant John the Baptist (while still in his mother’s womb) recognizes that the Lord is near.

Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent (Year C, #12)

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