On the Back Porch

Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”

The Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B

What We Celebrate

The Gospels for this 4th Sunday of Advent tell of the events that preceded and prepared for the birth of Jesus, This year the focus is on the angelic announcements to Mary that she will become the mother of the long-awaited Messiah (The Annunciation). It is an announcement that carries many similarities with the announcement of the birth of John the Baptists, but also many contrasts. In each announcement the presence of God is central in directing the events of humanity in order to bring to fruition the promise from Genesis 3:16 that a man born of woman would be the one to rescue and restore humanity. When the angel finishes delivering the good news, Mary simply responds: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.“

There is a lot more to this gospel. Sit with it for a moment on the back porch.

Full Text of the Sunday Readings

Detailed Commentary on the Gospel

Image credit: The Annunciation, Leonardo da Vinci, Uffizi Gallery Florence | PD