These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

IV Advent Sunday, 19 DECEMBER: O RADIX JESSE (O ROOT OF JESSE)

O Root of Jesse’s stem, 
sign of God’s love for all his people:
 come to save us without delay!

Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, 
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (Lk 1:39-45)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121921.cfm
This final Sunday of Advent turns our attention to the Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Lord, through whom we received the Author of all life, Jesus Christ. Come, Lord Jesus, come, do not delay! Today we have another popular Christmas Carol from Colombia, Salve Reina y Madre (Hail, Queen and Mother).