DAILY HOMILIES

t was from Elizabeth’s mouth that we get to hear about Mary’s pregnancy. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). Elizabeth introduces Mary to the world as the woman who is blessed among all women. Elizabeth and Angel Gabriel gave us the prayer, “Hail Mary”.

Right from the time of King David, God already had the coming of Jesus Christ in mind. When we really consider the promise made to David, (that his throne shall be established forever), we cannot but agree that this promise was only fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The question is: “What is it about David that made him so pleasing to God?” The answer is our first lesson for today: Humility.

Re-awaken your faith, begin to trust again, let your delayed prayers become an opportunity to trust less in yourself and in your own abilities that you may know that God alone deserves all the credit for everything good in your life.

Joseph’s faith should inspire us to believe that with God all things are possible. If Joseph had followed public opinion, he would have abandoned the Angel’s words, but he believed against all odds and in the end, his faith did not deceive him.

Do not use nasty words on your children no matter how bad they hurt your feelings by their childish behaviours. Keep blessing them, keep calling them good names.

Dear friends, if actions speak louder than words, we are called to examine ourselves today. What sort of things are our actions proclaiming about us? What are my actions in preparing for Christmas saying about my understanding of Jesus Christ?

Our Christmas celebration could actually become just a charade, a waste of time and valuable resources if our hearts remain cold and unwelcoming to Jesus Christ – if we remain deep in sin refusing to repent yet pretending to be holier than thou – if by our lips we profess faith but with our actions we worship money. James would tell us: “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” (James 2:18).

Quite sadly, we live in an age of fake prophets; prophets who see visions according to the size of people’s pockets. Prophets merely committed to making people feel good at all costs. Let us avoid becoming such false prophets.

Sometimes, we behave as if we know what is best for us. We assume we know better than God who allows seemingly negative circumstances happen to us instead of us to just trust that God knows exactly what He is doing. Until you come to a realization that everything happens for a reason, you will find it hard to be grateful. Truth be told, within every unhappy person is ingratitude. If you cannot be thankful, then you cannot be happy.

Rather than arguing about re-incarnation, we should consider the fact that our readings today have presented us with two role models, John the Baptist and Elijah. By emulating their virtues and living by the principles they represent, we become John the Baptists and Elijahs of our time. By directing people to repent from their sins and turn away from false gods, we literally prepare the way for the celebration of Christmas

The truth is that everything we desire in life, be it peace, prosperity, fame and so on can only come to us if we keep God’s commandments. We cannot live in disobedience to God and still expect the best things in life.

Are you being threatened with death for doing the right thing? Be like Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego who said to the king: “Even if our God does not save us, we will not bow to your stature.” Yes, even if God decides not to prevent your death (as in the case of John the Baptist), be assured of a better life in heaven. Just don’t live with your fears.