Advent Weekday on December 21

• First Reading – Song of Songs 2:8-14: The lover, agile and strong, eagerly approaches. He invites his beloved to join him, celebrating the end of winter and the beauty of spring, desiring to see and hear her.
• Alternate First Reading – Zephaniah 3:14-18a: Zion is called to rejoice as the Lord has removed judgment, defeated enemies, and dwells among them as a mighty savior, rejoicing and renewing them with His love.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: The just are called to praise the Lord with music and songs of joy. God’s eternal plan prevails, blessing the nation that chooses Him. Trusting in His name, hearts rejoice.
• Gospel – Luke 1:39-45: Mary’s arrival, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, joyfully acknowledged the blessedness of Mary and her unborn child, Jesus. Elizabeth’s own child leaped in her womb at Mary’s greeting, signifying the significance of Mary’s faith and the fulfillment of God’s promise.

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.

Luke 1:43-44

The readings for an Advent Weekday on December 21 bring together themes of joy, love, and God’s presence. In these readings, we see a spirit of anticipation and an eagerness to embrace God’s work in our lives.

• Joyful Anticipation: Both readings reflect a sense of joy as God’s promises unfold. The Song of Songs describes a joyful arrival, while the Gospel shares Elizabeth’s joy at Mary’s visit.
• God’s Love Shown: The first reading emphasizes a love that calls and draws near. In the Gospel, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth shows God’s love working through relationships.
• Responding to God’s Call: The beloved in the Song of Songs responds to the call to arise. In the Gospel, Mary responds to God’s plan by visiting Elizabeth.
• God’s Presence Among Us: The first reading describes a voice calling from the outside, symbolizing God’s nearness. The Gospel shows God’s presence in Mary and Jesus, even in the womb.
• Blessing of Faith: Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith. This reflects how trusting in God’s word brings blessing and joy.
• Eagerness to Share Good News: Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth shows her desire to share the good news. This reminds us to spread the joy of God’s work in our lives.

These themes for an Advent Weekday on December 21 invite us to reflect on God’s love, joy, and presence. They encourage us to respond with faith and eagerness as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises.

The themes for an Advent Weekday on December 21 invites us to reflect on how God’s love and promises shape our journey of faith. The readings focus on God’s love drawing near, the joy of sharing good news, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. As we explore these themes, we are reminded of the importance of love, joy, and trust in our daily walk with God.

God’s Love Draws Near

The first reading for an Advent Weekday on December 21 invites us to consider how God’s love draws us closer. Song of Songs uses poetic language to describe a love that calls gently yet persistently. It symbolizes God’s love reaching out to His people. This love is not distant or passive; it actively seeks to be near us, inviting us to respond.

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth in the Gospel is a beautiful example of this same drawing near. Mary travels with haste to share her joy with Elizabeth. The journey is a sign of God’s love working through relationships. It shows that love involves action, closeness, and a willingness to be present with others.

These readings remind us that love is not just a feeling but a call to respond to God and others. During Advent, we are called to move closer to God and to bring His love to others. As God draws near to us, we are encouraged to draw near to Him and share His love with those around us.

Sharing the Joy of God’s Work

The Gospel for an Advent Weekday on December 21 encourages us to share the joy of God’s work in our lives. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is not just a family visit; it is a joyful announcement of God’s work. Elizabeth’s response is filled with excitement as she recognizes the significance of Mary’s child. This moment shows how sharing our joy can deepen others’ faith.

In our lives, it’s easy to keep good news to ourselves, but these readings encourage us to spread the joy. Just as Mary’s presence brought joy to Elizabeth, we can bring joy to others by sharing God’s blessings. This is an essential part of living the Gospel, especially during Advent, a time of joyful preparation.

Sharing the joy of God’s work is more than words. It’s about presence, encouragement, and lifting others up. During Advent, we can be like Mary, bringing the good news of God’s work to others and creating moments of shared joy and gratitude.

The Joy of God’s Promises

Both readings for an Advent Weekday on December 21 highlight the joy of God’s promises. In the first reading, the language of longing is tied to a promise of closeness and fulfillment. It reflects the anticipation of Christ’s coming, a promise that brings hope and joy to those who wait for it.

The Gospel further emphasizes this theme. Elizabeth’s joyful greeting to Mary is filled with recognition of God’s promises being fulfilled. Her joy is not just about the present moment but about the promises that are coming to life through Mary and her child, Jesus. This moment is a sign that God’s promises bring true and lasting joy.

The promise of God’s presence, made clear in these readings, is a central part of Advent. As we prepare for Christ’s coming, we are invited to rejoice in God’s promises and trust in their fulfillment. This joy sustains us, even as we wait, reminding us that God’s promises are always worth the wait.

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The themes for an Advent Weekday on December 21 remind us that God’s love is near, His joy is meant to be shared, and His promises bring hope. As we approach Christmas, we are called to carry these lessons with us, drawing closer to God and others. May we open our hearts to receive and share God’s love.

Prayer

Lord, draw us closer to You during this Advent season. Help us to share Your love with others and trust in Your promises. Give us hearts that rejoice in Your presence and find peace in Your guidance. May we always walk in the light of Your love. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do you experience God drawing near to you in daily life?
• In what ways can you share the joy of God’s blessings with others?
• How do you respond when you recognize God’s promises being fulfilled?
• What helps you trust in God’s love and promises, even during times of waiting?

Word on Fire: The Ark of the Covenant

In his reflection for an Advent Weekday on December 21, Bishop Barron underscores Mary’s role as the new Ark of the Covenant. When Mary visits Elizabeth in the hill country of Judah, the same area where David found the original ark, she symbolizes the presence of God. Elizabeth’s declaration acknowledges Mary as the mother of the Lord, emphasizing the divine nature of her child. The joyful leap of the unborn John the Baptist at Mary’s arrival echoes David’s dance before the Ark, signifying recognition and worship of the divine king. This event highlights the deep connection between Old and New Testament themes, portraying Mary as the vessel bringing God into the world.

USCCB Reflection: Hopeful Expectation

This USCCB video reflection for an Advent weekday on December 21st delves into the story of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, capturing the core of Advent. This biblical episode is marked by profound joy and anticipation as both women await Jesus’ birth. Their joy, rooted in deep faith, contrasts with fleeting worldly pleasures, emphasizing Jesus as the source of true happiness. Mary and Elizabeth, humble and grateful, embody the joy that comes from God’s mercy. The reflection invites us to seek this deep, enduring joy in our lives, especially during the Christmas season, by focusing on Jesus and becoming instruments of peace, following the example of these two faithful women.

What are the Mass readings for an Advent Weekday on December 21?

The Mass readings for an Advent Weekday on December 21 are:
First Reading – Song of Songs 2:8-14: The Lover’s Call
Alternate First Reading – Zephaniah 3:14-18a: Zion’s Joyful Celebration
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: Rejoice in the Lord’s Faithfulness
Gospel – Luke 1:39-45: Mary Visits Elizabeth

What is the main message of the first reading for an Advent Weekday on December 21?

The first reading from the Song of Songs speaks of love and longing. It shows a call to come closer to God and embrace His presence.

How does the first reading connect to Advent?

It reflects a longing for the coming of Christ. Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, similar to the anticipation shown in this passage.

Why is Mary’s visit to Elizabeth important in the Gospel for an Advent Weekday on December 21?

Mary’s visit shows love, service, and joy. It highlights Mary’s willingness to share God’s blessings and joy with others.

What lesson can we learn from Elizabeth’s reaction?

Elizabeth’s response shows the importance of recognizing God’s work in others. It teaches us to celebrate the good things God is doing in the lives of those around us.

Why is faith emphasized in the Gospel for an Advent Weekday on December 21?

Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith, which shows that trusting God’s promises brings blessings. Faith helps us receive and respond to God’s plans with openness.

How can the themes from an Advent Weekday on December 21 be applied to our lives?

These themes encourage us to seek God’s presence, respond to His call, and share His love with others. We can do this by reaching out in kindness, sharing joy, and trusting in God’s promises.

What does the phrase “God’s presence among us” mean?

It refers to God being close and active in our lives, especially through Jesus. In the Gospel, God’s presence is seen in Mary carrying Jesus and visiting Elizabeth.

How can we respond to God’s call like Mary did on an Advent Weekday on December 21?

We can be open to God’s guidance, show love to others, and act with courage and faith. This involves listening to God and being willing to follow His plans, even when it requires effort.