Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dear Friends,

In these final days before Christmas, the liturgy slowly draws us into the mystery of the Incarnation—the Savior born for humanity. As we keep watch in silence with Mary and Joseph, I invite you to reflect on this poem by St. John of the Cross:

Then He summon'd an archangel,

Blessed Gabriel by name.

To a lowly girl called Mary

The Divine archangel came.

For with her co-operation

This great mystery could be.

With her flesh the Word was clothed

By the Blessed Trinity.

All three Persons work'd that wonder,

Though in One alone 'twas done.

In the womb of Blessèd Mary

Took her flesh th' Incarnate Son.

He that erst had had but Father

Had a Mother likewise then,

And He was conceiv'd in Mary,

As have been no other men.

Hers His flesh and hers His dwelling

Ere His human life began,

Wherefore He is call'd together

Son of God and Son of Man.

Let us draw close to our Blessed Mother in this sacred time, and let us prepare to welcome her Son into the manger of our hearts.

Anthony Quinn

Young Adult Coordinator