The Best Dwelling Place
Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1–5, 8b–12, 14a, 16 / Psalm 89:2a / Romans 16:25–27 / Luke 1:26–38
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Reflecting on the Word
By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.
In today’s first reading King David is settled in his cedar palace, no upcoming battles on the horizon, feeling quite content, glass of wine in hand, chatting with Nathan the prophet about how good life is, when he gets this inspiration: “God should have a house! Certainly more than that old tent we have been dragging around. And I will build it!” Nathan approves.
But that night, God weighs in: “Tell David, ‘Thanks, but no thanks. I like the tent.’ ” We don’t know why God said no to David. But it seems that God wanted to make clear not only who was building God’s dwelling place but also who really was in charge of everything. God was the kingdom builder and God chose to work with very simple material, like a tent. But this was nothing compared to God’s decision a millennium later, on the day when the angel Gabriel was sent to a town of Galilee called Nazareth.
God’s plan from the beginning was to take up residence among us closer than any building could be, whether it was as magnificent as Solomon’s temple or as humble as the simplest parish church. What God intended was to dwell with us as one of us, taking on human flesh and blood. And in the fullness of time God came asking if one of us would be willing. We don’t know how long it took for Mary to answer. We only remember the important thing: she said yes.
Consider/Discuss
- What difference does it make that God chose to dwell among us as one of us?
- Do you think of yourself as a dwelling place of God, as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
- What effect does that have in daily living?
Responding to the Word
O come, O come, Emmanuel. Make your dwelling place in us this day. Let the world recognize that we are a people chosen to be a sign of your loving, merciful, justice-seeking, reconciling presence in the world. Thank you for the many ways you continue to do the impossible in us, through us. Amen.