IMITATING THE EXAMPLE OF MARY AT ADVENT

 

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Texts: Micah 5:1-4; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

As we draw closer to the end of our Advent journey, the liturgy of today turns our attention to one of the most significant characters of this sacred season - Mary, the Mother of our Lord. The readings of today, especially the Gospel reading, highlight Mary’s unique role in salvation history. As we reflect on her life, we will find out that she not only carried Christ in her womb but also bore him in her heart.

Our first reading, from the prophet Micah (Micah 5:1-4a), speaks of the promised ruler who will come from Bethlehem. This prophecy reminds us of God’s faithfulness to his covenant with David, promising that a king from his lineage would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Mary, a humble young woman from Nazareth and a descendant of David, became the means by which this prophecy was fulfilled. Her “yes” to the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26-38) brought the Messiah into the world, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

In the Gospel reading (Luke 1:39-45), we see Mary setting out in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth. This journey was not just a physical one but a spiritual act of faith. Mary had just received the news that she will bear the Son of God, and instead of retreating in fear, she went to serve and share her joy. Elizabeth’s greeting, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42), affirmed Mary’s faith and her unique role in salvation. Mary believed in God’s promises even when she could not fully understand them (Luke 1:45). Her faith challenges us to trust in God’s word, especially in moments of uncertainty. Advent calls us to embrace this hope and faith, knowing that God’s promises never fail.

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth mirrors the journey of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:9-15). Just as the Ark carried the presence of God among his people, Mary carried Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Bread of Life, and the eternal High Priest. The joy that Elizabeth and her unborn child, John the Baptist, experienced in Mary’s presence highlights her role as the new Ark of the Covenant. This Advent, we are reminded that we, too, are called to carry Christ within us and bring his presence to others through our words and actions.

Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) is a song of joy and hope, rooted in God’s faithfulness. She proclaimed: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Her joy was not based on worldly possessions or circumstances but on her relationship with God. Mary praised God for lifting the lowly, filling the hungry, and fulfilling his promises. Her words remind us that true joy comes not from material wealth or power but from trusting in God’s providence and experiencing his love.

Lastly, as we continue our Advent journey, let us look to Mary as our model and guide. She teaches us to trust in God, to rejoice in his promises, to carry Christ within us, and to bring him to others. May her example inspire us to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord with faith, humility, and joy. Through Mary’s intercession, may we encounter Christ in a deeper way this Advent, and may our lives, like hers, magnify the Lord and bring his light to the world. Amen.