Liturgy Lesson for the Fourth Sunday in Advent: Christ’s Birthing in Our Hearts

December 23, 2007

In Advent spirituality, we meditate—focusing our thoughts, with the Spirit’s help–on Christ’s birthing in our hearts. We look at our conversion—the turning away from our old life, lived under the power of evil—to a new life born and lived in the Holy Spirit’s power. Jesus calls us to be converted to Him, making Him our lives’ pattern—and that means living and dying in Him. This is accomplished only by completely submitting to Him with the constant reminder of His paschal mystery—that death passes us over by His sacrifice– and by following His example in sacrificing our own will to His. In Advent we review, then, how we authentically live out our Faith—or not. “Trust in Jesus” is not just a onetime act, but a continuous choice, a moment-by-moment existence in Him. It’s a constant, determined turning from a life lived for self to one lived in step with the Spirit, who continually molds us, like the Potter in Jeremiah, if we will allow Him to do so, to be like Jesus. This is how we know—Christ is truly born in us, growing to be, as St. John Baptist said, increasing, as we decrease.

Posted by Father Chip | Filed Under Liturgy Lessons