Emmanuel, which means “God is with us

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season : 4th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 1:18-24*

*First Reading : Is 7:10-14*

*SECOND READING Rom 1:1-7*

*Emmanuel, which means “God is with us*

*1) We are preparing for Emmanuel*

Emmanuel means - God is with us. In fact we are preparing for this great even to happen in our lives 

This is one of the greatest events in our life. When God is with us, we need nothing in our lives 

*2) One need to work for Emmanuel to happen*

The reality of Immanuel does not happen automatically. One need to work for it. In the Gospel of the day, we get an idea about those who worked for Immanuel to Happen

*Mary* Mary is the first person who offered her entire life for the Immanuel to become a reality 

Since she offered herself, Immanuel became a reality 

*Joseph* He humbled himself before God and accepted the will of the Father. 

Joseph was ready to change his plans for the sake of Immanuel to become a reality 

*Angel Gabriel* Another important figure in the context of Immanuel becoming a reality 

He brought the Good news and communicated to her and convinced her about the plan of God

Angels intervention was an important occasion for Mary to understand the importance of Gods plan and to accept it

*3) Hardwork is necessary*

When we see the above reality, it is clear that, only sincere work and cooperating with Gods work will help us to make Immanuel as reality in our life 

Mary, Joseph  and Angel Gabriel, worked together with the inspiration of God, to carry out the mission of the Lord. 

Such a great hard work yielded the  fruit, by making in Immanuel as a reality

*4) Immanuel in my Life*

How do I understand the concept of Immanuel?

Who is Immanuel for me? 

How Immanuel can become a reality in my life? 

How this advent is helping me to make Immanuel a reality in my life? 

Is my life a suitable place to become a Immanuel a great reality? 

God is always with us. But am I with God??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*