4th Week of Advent, 2024
Ref.: Mi 5:1-4a; Lk 1:39-45 Proclaim a spoiler alert for Christ 12-21,22-2024 b.k.
“Spoiler Alert!” is an expression we use to describe a warning that an important detail of a developing plot is about to be revealed, whether it be related to a movie, book, or other special news. It’s oftentimes a bummer to find out from someone else, the “Spoiler”, rather than directly from the source. Once the mystery, the “who done it”, is exposed, you might be turned off enough to not see the movie or finish reading the book or even feel the need to talk about it anymore.
This is often the case with me talking to my adult kids. I can’t tell them anything. It’s not that they shut me out and don’t listen to me, rather it’s because they tell me, “Old news Dad, already heard that.” There’s no “leaping for joy” or even a raised eyebrow. A “spoiler” had already spread the news via cell phone, social media, email, and texts leaving me in the dust. I get it. It’s desirable to be the giver of news; a trusted, valued communicator, especially when there’s good news to share.
Prophesy, by its nature, can be seen as a “spoiler alert” and in our readings today we have a few of them. In our first reading, the prophet Micah, gives a spoiler alert to the people of Bethlehem that a ruler shall be born. Although no specifics are given, he tells us Bethlehem, the “House of Bread”, is where we now know Jesus, the Bread of Life, was to be born. He shall shepherd Isreal and all the world in strength and peace. Good news, to be sure.
Today in St. Luke’s Gospel we hear the 2nd Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary, The Visitation. Mary made haste to see her cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. I suspect that since her Annunciation and her “fiat” or “yes” to bear the Son of God, Mary was concerned for her fate and what she should do. She needed a helpful instrument of God, a trustworthy friend she could relate to, to gain wisdom, guidance, and reassurance. Spoiler alert, the Angel of God, Gabriel, tells Mary of Elizabeth’s unlikely pregnancy; so Mary heads out. They both have exciting news to share.
Upon her arrival and greeting, before Mary can even explain her wonderful news, Spoiler Alert- St. John the Baptist leaps with joy in Elizabeth’s womb prompting her, filled with the Holy Spirit, to cry out, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” I guess the Holy Spirit made them even: neither had the chance to tell the other of their good news. News travels fast with the Holy Spirit. I can relate to Mary and Elizabeth.
The Holy Spirit, we pray, may also serve an important “spoiler role” in our lives every day, telling us, guiding us to the will of the Father.
- Are we open to hear the “spoiler alerts” from the Holy Spirit?
- How can we best use those promptings to serve others’ needs?
- Are we ready to be “spoilers” for the Gospel to those struggling in their faith and relationship with Jesus?
In the still, small voice of our hearts we can feel the “kick” of the Holy Spirit telling us the news that Jesus is within us, giving us direction, mercy, and love in our lives. He calls us to follow him on our pilgrim journey to Salvation. Feel these promptings, witness them in the calm of your prayers, in the child-like trust and longing of our hearts, in the simple acts of mercy and charity shared amongst each other. Most of all, experience the movement of the Holy Spirit in the most Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ at Mass. His true presence is our light and our Food for the Journey, to shepherd us to a faithful relationship with him.
On this, the love-themed 4th week of Advent, may we, out of love for others, become “spoilers” by announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ. May we spread his Word in haste at his coming into our lives this fast-approaching Christmas Day. From a manger in the small town of Bethlehem to the manger in our hearts, may the Christ child be born to give us love, hope, joy, and peace. And may the Holy Spirit send us all kicking and leaping for joy as we give all praise and glory to God.