Daily Readings for December 18, 2016

Fourth Sunday of Advent

1ST READING

When the Lord asks us to do something, we should do it. King Ahaz does not want to ask God for a sign that He will deliver Jerusalem from its siege. God chooses one for him and we now have today’s text. This has been interpreted to be a prophecy of the birth of the Messiah. However, God can work in mysterious ways through the words and actions of those who do His will.

Isaiah 7:10-14

10 The Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying: 11 “Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky!” 12 But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” 13 Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

P S A L M

Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R: Let the Lord enter, he is king of glory.

1 The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. 2 For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (R) 3 Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. (R) 5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior. 6 Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (R)     

2ND READING

Paul wants to use the Roman community as a base for his evangelization work in Europe. Paul claims to be an Apostle, but of a different pedigree from others. He was called somewhat late and did not have the privilege of learning the Gospel at the feet of Jesus like the others did. However, Paul is ready to accept Peter as the leader of the Church but he is not afraid to challenge Peter.

Romans 1:1-7

1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, 4 but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, 6 among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; 7 to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

GOSPEL

Joseph is a forgotten Scriptural figure. He is around for the first few years of Jesus’ life but disappears from the scene. He shows deep faith and trust in God’s calling and responds to the situation he finds himself in. He could have excused himself legally and gone off on his own but he is reluctant to leave Mary, even if it means he will experience hardship and suffering.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.

Matthew 1:18-24

18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.