December 18, 2016
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Choosing the Path to Walk
Is 7:10-14; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24
 
First Reading: The prophet Isaiah feels frustrated by the people's unwillingness to be faithful to the Lord. Inspired by God, he announces a divine intervention by which one will be sent to bring the presence of Almighty God into the very midst of the people.
Second Reading: St. Paul recalls the prophet's promise of a unique Davidic descendant. He sees that promise fulfilled in Jesus and makes it clear that this fulfillment envelops the entire human race.
Gospel: This Matthean Gospel recalls the promise of the house of David and speaks of Joseph. God is clearly acting in human history, and through Mary will be brought forth the one who fulfills the promise that God is with us.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Homily
The Scriptures of this Fourth Sunday of Advent introduce us to King Ahaz, a weak king who had plans of his own. The last person he wanted to encounter was Isaiah the prophet. But there he was, in front of him.
Isaiah proclaims God's plan for one who is to come that will be called Emmanuel, who will make known clearly that God is with us. The message is clear: There is now a new plan, which entails a new way of living.
Ahaz faces the choice, — God's plan or his own. In his heart, King
Ahaz sees the prophet Isaiah as an irritant and God as an intrusion into what he wants to do. Now what is he to do?
These Advent readings also place Mary and Joseph before us. Interestingly, both would have likely had plans of their own, but now faced a divine intervention that asked them to change their plans and accept the Lord's plan, not only for their lives but for all humanity. Now what are they to do?
Unfolded before us are two responses, one of Ahaz who fought the Lord's plan in favor of his own and one of Mary and Joseph who embraced the Lord's plan with faith.
The Scriptures elsewhere tell us of what happens to Ahaz and his plans. There is violence and oppression, sadness and suffering. His plans lead to doom for his people. How different then is the outcome of the lives of Mary and Joseph. Yes, there is struggle, persecution and suffering, but out of that there is redemption, glory and eternal life opened for all humanity.
The clear difference is that Ahaz did not welcome the Lord into his life and plans, whereas Mary and Joseph did. They abandoned their own ways and took up God's. Ahaz could never bring himself to do that.
What about us? Are we not at times like Ahaz? We have our plans, our strategies, and we don't welcome any interference, perhaps even from God. We become so convinced that our way is the best way that it becomes the only way. We avoid those who disagree with us and close our ears to critique and our hearts even to those who love us.
Yet the liturgy keeps saying Emmanuel, God is with us. Is that true for us or have we pushed God away? If God is there, we must allow God's will and his wisdom to challenge every word and deed in our lives. We often do not want to live in the shadow of God's presence because we feel it limits us.
Yet, in fact, the very opposite is true. When we truly allow God to be with us we are never freer, never more open to all the wonderful possibilities.
If we think we are ready to welcome Emanuel this Christmas, are we ready to live our lives differently? When God is truly with us, why would we lie, steal, cheat or gossip? God's presence offers us such strength, depth, courage and life.
This liturgy repeats Emmanuel, God is with us. Do we really believe that?
When we are stressed, stretched and desperate, God is with us. When we are about to lose hope and abandon the struggle, God is with us. When we are tempted to walk away from compassion and care for others, God is with us.
What an incredible difference we find in the way of Ahaz and that of Mary and Joseph. The difference is found in whether or not we believe that God is truly with us and whether or not we have chosen to walk in his ways or our own.