22 December 2013

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Today the Church celebrates the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The assigned readings are Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-7, and Matthew 1:18-24. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 24 (Psalm 24:1-6).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 24 “The Lord, the king of glory”

The Gospel reading is as follows:

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. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 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. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Reflections on this day and on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 22, 2013)

Msgr. Charles Pope: Crisis At Christmas – A Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent (21 DEC 13)

Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio: St. Joseph’s Claim to Fame

Verbum Domini: Righteous Joseph (19 DEC 13)

The Deacon’s Bench: Homily for December 22, 2013: 4th Sunday of Advent (21 DEC 13)

Word on Fire: Sermon 676: The Slave of Christ: 4th Sunday of Advent

The Sacred Page: “A Virgin Shall Conceive”: The Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (18 DEC 13)

Dr. Scott Hahn: God Is With Us (December 22nd 2013 - Fourth Sunday of Advent)

The Catholic World Report Blog: St. Joseph’s doubt and the angel’s gift (22 DEC 13)

Spirituality of the Readings: An Inner Assurance (Fourth Sunday of Advent A)

The Word Engaged: Joseph (Fourth Sunday of Advent A)

Asia News: Pope: Celebrating Christmas contemplating Mary and Joseph (22 DEC 13)

Historical Cultural Context: Honoring God’s Will (Fourth Sunday of Advent A)

Dominican Friars, Province of St. Joseph: Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Fourth Sunday of Advent (20 DEC 13)

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