Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2004 O Flower of Jesse’s Stem! Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18 24 Reflection: In the first reading, the Lord tells Ahaz to ask for a sign but Ahaz will not ask. The Lord gives a sign... “A virgin will be with child...” Paul, in the second reading, reminds us of our call to belong to Jesus. In Matthew we are told of Mary’s conception and of Joseph’s desire to do the right thing. The following poem flowed from my reflection on these readings. Reflect! Think deeply! Oh, people of God, Allow TRUTH to so FILL your being that no thing and no one can limit FULFILLMENT! We, each one, is called to be apostle! - to hear - receive - be transformed by - act on the WORD of GOD WHO DOES GIVE SIGNS - small, large, requested, unspoken, accepted, denied, rejected, ignored - to US - weak, strong, hobbled, limitless HUMAN-DIVINE creatures! Signs to us, each of us, such as we are! “The virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and shall call Him Emmanuel.” Emmanuel! Yes! God with us! The Christ who was, who is, who always will be - Inspirited Teacher - Attentive Listener - Compassionate Vessel - Resurrected Spirit HEALER OF OUR EVERY ILL! People of God, Today! Fear not! Receive grace given! Answer your call to holiness! Speak the truth! Act for justice! Live in God Who NEEDS you/us to fulfill God’s promises! “Grace to you - and peace from God - and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Suggested Action: Be the sign! Sr. Margaret Mary Caulson, IHM Bay Shore, New York

Graphic: Sr. Donna Korba, IHM