El Cántaro con el Padre José Roman Flecha · El Sembrador Ministries

Meditación sobre las lecturas del 4to Domingo de adviento

·28 min·2 clips

Father José Román Flecha explains why Christmas has become a secular feast where Jesus is often absent.

The episode begins with Father José Román Flecha introducing the Fourth Sunday of Advent in Cycle A. He notes the entrance antiphon from Isaiah 45, calling for creation to open itself to receive Jesus. Flecha observes that Christmas has become a secular celebration in many places, with Jesus often absent from his own birthday celebration. He then guides listeners through the liturgical structure, mentioning the lighting of the fourth Advent candle and the omission of the Gloria. The opening prayer asks for grace to journey from Christ's incarnation through his passion to resurrection glory. The first reading from Isaiah 7:10-14 is presented, where God gives King Ahaz the sign of Emmanuel despite Ahaz's refusal to ask for one. Flecha provides historical context about the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, explaining that Ahaz feared an attack from Damascus and Israel. The prophet Isaiah approaches Ahaz to reassure him, but Ahaz distrusts the message. Flecha shares a theologian's insight that God's sign appears in the weakness of a baby rather than military strength. The Psalm 23 reading emphasizes God's sovereignty and the qualities needed to approach God. The second reading from Romans 1:1-7 presents Paul's identity as apostle, Christ's dual nature as descendant of David and Son of God, and the call to the Romans. Flecha explains the three subjects Paul addresses: himself, Jesus Christ, and the Roman community. The Gospel reading from Matthew 1:18-24 recounts Joseph's annunciation, where an angel tells him not to fear taking Mary as his wife because her child is from the Holy Spirit. Flecha notes this fulfills Isaiah's prophecy about the virgin conceiving and bearing a son named Emmanuel. He discusses theologian Max Turian's perspective on the virginal conception as a sign of grace. The episode examines the significance of the names Jesus (meaning 'God saves') and Emmanuel (meaning 'God with us'). Flecha questions whether people today truly believe in salvation or place their trust in money, power, or technology. He references a child's remark about not needing salvation. The meditation concludes with prayers from the Mass and a quote from Saint Bede the Venerable about Christ's dual natures. Flecha encourages prayerful preparation for Christmas and gives a final blessing.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from El Cántaro con el Padre José Roman Flecha