Fourth Sunday of Advent [B]

 


FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT [B]


A Christmas special was released back in 1974, called “The Year Without A Santa Claus.”  It would feature two particularly colorful characters: The Heat Miser and the Snow Miser. They each introduce themselves by way of a song. While the chorus is being sung, the Heat Miser takes hold of a thermometer. As he does so, the mercury surges all the way to the top. Then, during the Snow Miser’s song, the mercury recedes to the bottom. 


With this illustration in mind, let’s consider the subject matter of our second reading: the glory that belongs to God. Paul wants that glory to compound itself. That’s essentially what we are calling for when we pray the Glory Be. It’s all about registering a perpetual increase to the scale that measures the glory of God. Is this something we do because God stands in need of a recharge? Should we have to worry about the prospect of his glory draining away? 


Classical theologians outline two categories: the intrinsic and the extrinsic. Intrinsic glory pertains to the glory that belongs directly to God. This intrinsic glory remains constant; we don’t add to it and nor do we subtract from it. By contrast, the extrinsic glory belongs to all that God has created. We know that when creation flourishes, God is in turn glorified. It could be said that something is being added. Conversely, when creation is made to suffer, this takes away from the extrinsic glory of God. 


It’s worth remembering that we have our own place within the context of God’s creation. This means that we have our own level of influence. The extrinsic glory of God becomes enhanced through the manner in which we live our lives. At least, that’s what is being hoped for in Romans 16:25-27. There is also the possibility that we may bring about a reduction of that glory. It all depends on us and how we go about living our daily lives. 


Think of David’s failure in 2nd Sam. 11. This would represent a setback, in terms of that extrinsic brand of glory. Yet for the most part, David was somebody who contributed to the glory of God. This explains why a dynasty will be named for him (see 2nd Sam. 7). We can say that Paul will glorify God through his missionary efforts. As for the Blessed Virgin Mary, she literally magnifies the Lord through her canticle of praise (Luke 1:46-55). She provides an injection similar to what the Heat Miser generates in that Christmas special. He sends up the mercury while Mary sends up the glory. That will be the pattern, now that she has accepted her role in the divine plan (Luke 1:26-38). 


So where do we fit in? We’ve been examining individuals like David, Paul, and the Virgin Mary; perhaps we need to begin an examination of ourselves. Ask yourself: do I contribute? Or do I represent a liability? Does my way of life enhance God’s extrinsic glory? Or is it actually being reduced? If you’re feeling insecure, take a deeper dive into the season of Advent. Allow the season to have an impact on you. Furthermore, draw from the example of the Blessed Mother. And finally, when you pray the Glory Be, try to pray with a newfound sense of awareness. 

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