Daily Catholic Reflection: December 18, 2020, Friday of the Third Week of Advent, Year B

Jeremiah 23:5-8,

Psalm 72:1-2.12-13.18-19,

Matthew 1:18-24 Full Readings

Blessed Anthony Grassi

 He is from the House of David

Brethren, for today's reflection I use the same title as the one of yesterday as an emphasis on the descendence of Jesus from the House of David. In the first reading Jeremiah tells us that the Lord will raise a virtuous branch for David who will be a king forever and his dynasty will last forever, he will rule as a true king and be wise and all people will be saved because of his saving justice. This prophecy is fulfilled in the person of Jesus.

It is fulfilled in a way that people would not think of. In the Gospel we see that the Yes of Joseph to take Mary as his wife though she was pregnant fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that a righteous and just king will be from the House of David. Joseph adopts Jesus as the earthly father which links Jesus to David since Joseph is from the House of David.

Let us reflect today on the righteousness of God as he fulfilled his promise of raising Jesus as a righteous and just king from the house of David as Jeremiah promised. Reflect also on the righteousness of Joseph, a model of faith in God as he accepted to take Mary as his wife despite her pregnancy. His Yes just as that of Mary did, led to our salvation too as he connects Jesus to salvation history. 

As we are in the last 8 days towards Christmas let us remember that this is a period of intense preparation   for the coming of Jesus and receiving him in our hearts. The Church invites us to reflect more on scriptures and specifically on *O Antiphons* Which are prayed for 8 days in preparation for Christmas: December 17–23. These are the antiphons used with the Magnificat each day. They are based on Isaiah’s prophecies and reveal the different titles given to the Messiah, they describe and portray who the  Messiah, who is coming, is.

•O Sapientia (O Wisdom) Isaiah 11:2–3; 28:29

•O Adonai (O Lord) Isaiah 11:4–5; 33:22

•O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) Isaiah 1:1; 11:10

•O Clavis David (O Key of David) Isaiah 9:6; 22:22

•O Oriens (O Rising Sun) Isaiah 9:1

•O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations) Isaiah 9:5; 2:4

•O Emmanuel (God with us) Isaiah 7:14

Today's Antiphon: Reflect on it, spend time reading it today, pondering it and praying it meditatively throughout the day as a way to make immediate spiritual preparation for Christmas.

December 18 Antiphon

O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

Let us Pray 

Lord, I thank you for the faith of St Joseph. Come Lord Jesus, please be with me now and forever. Be my Lord, and reign in my heart. When you come, please bring me the gift of your peace. With you near me, I know I never have to be afraid. Amen

Be blessed.