Readings and Themes for the Weekend of December 20, 2009

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of December 13, 2009,
Third Sunday in Advent

Reading I Micah 5:1-4a

From Bethlehem shall come the ruler of Israel.

Psalm 80

"Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved."

Reading II Hebrews 10:5-10

Behold, I come to do your will.

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Mary visits her kinswoman Elizabeth

THEME:
Jesus is identified as Lord before He is born

The first reading and Gospel tell stories of a place and a person: Bethlehem and Mary. Bethlehem was such a tiny place that it was not even counted among the clans of Judah. Mary was a young Jewish woman living what many would consider an insignificant life. Yet Bethlehem is the place where the Son of God was to be born. And Mary carried that Son within her womb. These readings speak to each of us. When we may feel unimportant or insignificant, we may be surprised by what God has in store for us.

Question for Children:

How does the Blessed Virgin Mary help you to follow Jesus?

Question for Youth:

When have you experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit?

Question for Adults:

What role does Mary play in your own spirituality?

If you were Elizabeth, how would you greet her at your doorway, if she were to arrive there?