Palestinian Manan Abu Abuayash holds her baby Maram, 6 months, while lighting candles Dec. 20, 2015, in the Church of the Nativity where tradition believes Christ was born in Bethlehem, West Bank. Advent is a time of anticipation and deep consolation. (OSV News/Debbie Hill, CNS)
Source & Summit: Fourth Sunday of Advent
(The faithful) taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice, which is the source and summit of the whole Christian life, offer the Divine Victim to God, and themselves along with it.
-The Second Vatican Council fathers in Lumen Gentium, #11
Source & Summit is a feature of The Western Kentucky Catholic online, celebrating the National Eucharistic Revival: Year of Parish Revival. Intended to help Catholics of our parishes to probe the riches of our liturgical year and celebrate the liturgy well, the column will always start with the Bible readings for the Mass of the Day to help us reflect on, and help to “unpack” and expand our experiences at liturgy into the domestic church (the home) and the workplace.
Sunday reflections will be based on the Lord’s Day, the Liturgy, the Eucharist, and, occasionally, community.
Sunday, December 24, 2023:
Fourth Sunday of Advent
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122423.cfm
Isaiah 9:1—6
Psalm 96: 1—3, 11—13
Titus 2:11—14
Luke 2:1—14
Angel: Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son…
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age…
Mary: Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
For the last three weeks, we have been reflecting on our Advent journey (see below).
During this entire Fourth Week of Advent (lasting all of 24 hours) it is best that you review your travelogue.
- First Sunday of Advent. For this hijrah, a squishy heart is required. The squishier the better.
- The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Accepting your permanent pregnancy, you make your way to hungry. And the sick and homebound and prisoners and those who are handing their breath back to God.
- Second Sunday of Advent. “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; prepare his way.” Barriers in any closed lanes must be removed.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe. Los campañeros recommend this star por el camino. Further squishification of the heart is required.
- Third Sunday of Advent. You get a torchbearer for this last part of your journey, one step ahead of you.
- Las Posadas. Fellow peregrinos rejoice as you embrace your displacement.
- Fourth Sunday of Advent. Bless the angel who explains to you the meaning of this pilgrimage, your final footsteps to the feedbox in Bethlehem, the House of Bread.
-Michael Bogdan
To learn more about the Diocese of Owensboro’s celebration of the National Eucharistic Revival, visit https://owensborodiocese.org/eucharistic-revival/.
