GOD’S MYSTERIOUS CHOICES
INTRODUCTORY RITES
Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...).
We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.
Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.
You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:
The Sign of the Cross
Greeting and Introductory Words
L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.
A: Blessed be God forever.
L: God has a plan for each one of us. Are we available to God and do we see what he wants to do in us and through us?
The liturgy this Fourth Sunday of Advent gives us the marvellous example of Mary. Even if she did not see clearly all it implied, she accepted her mission to become the mother of the Saviour.
Jesus wants to be born in our world through us too. We too have to say our “yes” to God and to his plans for us. Let us pray for the courage to say “yes.”
Penitential Rite
L: For the times we have said “no” to God’s plans, we ask the Lord to forgive us.
Pause
L: Lord Jesus, you came to do the will of your Father: Lord, have mercy.
A: Lord, have mercy.
L: Christ Jesus, you called those who hear and keep the Word
your mother and brother and sister: Christ, have mercy.
A: Christ, have mercy.
L: Lord Jesus, you called ordinary people to be your disciples: Lord, have mercy.
A: Lord, have mercy.
L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
A: Amen.
Opening Prayer
L: Here in our midst, O God of mystery,
you disclose the secret hidden for countless ages.
For you we wait, for you we listen.
Upon hearing your voice
may we, like Mary, embrace your will
and become a dwelling fit for your Word.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
A: Amen.
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
Readings
The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.
Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.
Reading 1 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14,16
Psalm Psalm 89:1-4, 27, 29
Response For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Reading 2 Romans 16:25-27
Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia.
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.
Gospel Luke 1:26-38
Reflection on the Readings
Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.
Lectio Divina
Imagine witnessing the annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary. What are your thoughts and feelings as you witness this encounter and dialogue?
Sunday Snippets
Once upon a time, a prince yearned to win the heart of a princess. He had everything—looks, fame, and fortune—and tried everything but failed in his quest. The princess had her eyes and heart fixed elsewhere, and married a penniless woodcutter who did nothing to win her favour! The princess chose the woodcutter because of the mysterious preference of her love.
That happens only in fairy tales. Right! It happens in fairy tales and in God’s tales! The First Reading and the Gospel highlight God’s choice of people.
In the First Reading, God reminds David of his transformation from shepherd to king through God’s grace and mysterious choice! Jesse did not even bring him before Samuel; they considered David worthy only to tend sheep. God knew whom he was choosing and did great things through David.
The Gospel recalls God’s choice of Mary as the mother of his Son. Again, a mysterious choice! Everything is against her: age, experience, marital status, power. God knew whom he was choosing; his grace transforms her from maiden to Mother of God.
God’s choice required of David and of Mary a ‘yes’ that St Paul, in the Second Reading, calls ‘the obedience of faith.’
God makes another mysterious choice today: he chooses you and me! He chooses us to be entry points for his love into the world. We might feel inadequate and unworthy. God’s choice has nothing to do with our achievements or skills!
Am I willing to say “yes”? Am I willing, like Mary, to allow the Holy Spirit to come upon me and overshadow me… and transform me? Do I believe that with God nothing is impossible and that he is with me?
If yes, the Almighty will do marvellous things through me and you!
Questions to Ponder
Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:
Reading 1: Compare what David wants to give God with what God has done and promises to do for David. What happens when I open myself to God?
Reading 2: “To him who can strengthen you…” How has God strengthened me?
Gospel: God spoke to Mary through Gabriel. How does God speak to me? When did I last hear from God and what action did I take?
Mary believed God’s promise to her and trusted God to make it happen. What lesson can I learn from her response?
Accepting God’s message had a profound effect on Mary’s life. How has accepting God’s message for me changed my life?
The Creed
Prayer of the Faithful
L: God is with us. Therefore, like Mary, let us pray with faith and confidence, opening wide our hearts to all human needs: Lord, hear our prayer.
R: For the Church: that our hearts may be an authentic dwelling place for God and thus enable us to bring God's presence to all whom we encounter, we pray…
R: For the world: that God may free and strengthen persecuted Christians, people in refugee camps, and victims of violence, we pray…
R: For peace in the world: that the advent of the Prince of Peace may enlighten minds and hearts to resolve disputes with words and deeds of compassion, and turn human hearts from violence and domination, we pray…
R: For all who are ailing: that God may heal them and strengthen their caregivers, we pray…
R: For all who are isolated and alone: that God may fill their emptiness and open our hearts to reach out to them, we pray…
R: For ourselves: that we, like Mary, may ponder God’s invitation and say yes to all that he asks of us, we pray…
L: God our Father, like Mary we open ourselves completely to you. You are with us, as you were with her. May we cooperate with your plan of salvation for us and for our world. Through Christ our Lord.
A: Amen.
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
The Lord’s Prayer
Spiritual Communion
A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.
Post Spiritual Communion Reflection
Lord,
you have a surprising preference
for people who are small and humble.
You chose Mary,
the unassuming virgin from Nazareth,
to become the mother of your Son Jesus.
Make us aware of the poverty of our hearts,
that we may be open to you,
and be ready, like Mary,
to serve you and your plans for us.
CONCLUDING RITE
Concluding Prayer
L: Lord,
you fill the hungry with good things
and send the self-satisfied away empty.
You have filled us
with the Word of your Son Jesus.
Fill us with his spirit of service and self-forgetting love,
that through us he may become near to people.
Through Christ our Lord.A: Amen.
Blessing
L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.
A: Amen.
L: Go in the peace of Christ.
A: Thanks be to God.
Conclude with a hymn. For instance:
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