December 22 ~ 4th Sunday of Advent

My Dear Friends in Christ,

We have spent Advent preparing spiritually for the birth of the Savior, and now it is upon us. Matthew’s Gospel begins with the great genealogy – three sets of 14 generations – from Abraham to David; from Solomon to the Babylonian exile; and from the exile to Jesus. Matthew’s Gospel wants to show that all of history looks with expectation to Christ, whose Kingdom will last forever. There was a great expectation for the Messiah. We too have been waiting expectantly to celebrate the great day of His birth.

The Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Advent is St. Matthew’s account of the events prior to the birth of Jesus. (Mt 1:18-24) I reflect often on the Silence of Mary and the Silence of Joseph in the days leading up to the Nativity. Surely, at a certain point, Mary’s pregnancy could not be hidden any longer. Why did Mary not say anything to Joseph? Why did she keep silent? I suspect that it was a seal of deep respect in the presence of a tremendous mystery. Mary remained profoundly moved by the Mystery of the Incarnation. This was all so unique, intimate and sacred that it appeared to her that to share it with another human being would be too much. To be faithful to her God, Mary was disposed to suffer any consequence – divorce, stoning, rejection, solitude – with her silence. The Mother remained in silence, unconcerned, tranquil.

The Lord, moved by her silent fidelity, came to her assistance in an extraordinary way, revealing himself to Joseph, explaining things to him, dispelling his fears and any rumors that Mary had done something shameful. He invited Joseph to undertake a tremendous responsibility – to be the foster father of his only Son – and Joseph would have to do this in silence. From that moment on he approached Mary with an infinite reverence. This revelation confirmed his intuition about how special Mary was. Now Joseph was “touched by God” so much that whatever affective and merely human bonds of love he had for Mary were now elevated and transformed. To Joseph she was more than an attractive young girl; she was the revered shrine of the living God.

Between them, they would take care of and protect Jesus, the Son of God, the fruit of Mary’s womb. God had chosen that house and that marriage as a special dwelling, holier than the ancient Ark of the Covenant. Joseph’s reaction to the angel’s revelation is interesting. He immediately took initiative, prepared for the nuptial procession, and took Mary into his home. God had entrusted to him the care of Mary and the Child. He was silent in hearing God’s call and silent after he heard God’s call, never revealing the mystery of Mary’s conception. He maintained a sacred silence. But it was through Joseph that the Messiah could be born of the House of David and the promises of the Lord could be fulfilled.

Sometimes the greatest mysteries of our faith – the greatest miracles – happen in silence. As the mystery of that Silent Night approaches, let us ask Mary and Joseph to help us keep a reverential silence so that our hearts may be open to the wonders of God this Christmas.

But on Christmas Day, let us cry out: “Gaudete! Gaudete! Christus est natus hodie! Gaudete! Gaudete! Ex Maria Virgine! Of this day, St. Leo the Great writes: “Dearly beloved, our Savior was born this day. Let us rejoice. No, there cannot be any room for sorrow in a place where life has been born. By dispelling fear of death, life fills us with joy about the promised eternity. No one has been cut off from a share in this excitement.”

My Dear Friends, I hope and pray that the happiness and excitement of this day fills your hearts and homes. I too am excited to spend my first Christmas with you. May our newborn Infant King bless you and your families with His Peace and Love now and in the New Year!

Merry Christmas!

– Fr. Fernandes

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