St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We are in the fourth week of Advent and soon we celebrate Christmas. In the first reading from prophet Micah, about whom very little is known, speaks of oracles and prophecies. The oracle of promise in today’s reading is noteworthy because early Christians saw it as a prophecy about the birth of Jesus. The prophet issues God’s promise that a ruler for Israel will come from Bethlehem, He will be by God’s authority, a shepherd of the people and does not say He will bring peace but rather He will be peace!!! How can we be at peace in this modern society?

The Second reading speaks about the one and only sacrifice of Jesus, offered once and for all, which is the greatest atoning sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The author uses the argument that we might call ‘from the lesser to the greater’. If something can be demonstrated to be true in a small matter, then it must be even more true when it concerns a greater matter that is similar to the first. Hence, Christ’s once for all sacrifice makes all other sacrifices unnecessary, as His is a real and perfect sacrifice.

The Gospel tells us about the visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. As the angel Gabriel announced to Zechariah, concerning the birth of John the Baptist, the same angel also announced to Mary, betrothed to Joseph, concerning the virginal conception and the birth of Jesus. This week as we are going to celebrate the great solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, let us prepare profoundly to welcome our loving Savior, to be born in our humble hearts and serene souls with sanctity. Let the Babe of Bethlehem dispel darkness and bring light, hope, peace, joy, and love into our lives. Wishing you all a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS.

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony