Readings: Judges 13:2-7,24-25, Ps. 71:3-6,16-17, Luke 1:5-25
“After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she hid herself, saying: ‘Thus the Lord has done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.’” (Luke 1:24-25)
- Nobody can predict God’s mind. Who knows what will happen tomorrow? Nobody. In our pursuit of scientific knowledge, we have discovered many laws, such as the law of gravity and the law of motion. We see these laws daily, but science cannot tell who put them in place. I bring you Good News today. He who created those laws can change them on your behalf.
- This is what we find playing out in our readings today. God blessed women regarded as barren with children. And that was not all; the children they bore were extraordinary.
- As St. Paul makes clear to us: “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God.” (1st Corinthians 1:27-29).
- To shame Goliath, God chose David. To shame those mocking Hannah and Elizabeth, God gave them children. Avoid laughing at others. Avoid labelling people with their condition. Do not write off anybody as good for nothing; you are not God. Christmas reminds us that with God, all things are possible.
- Christmas celebration goes beyond merriment; it allows us to reflect on how God shows up when all hope is lost. As one author said, “God writes straight on jagged lines.” The fact that you are presently experiencing barrenness in one way or another does not mean that is the end of your story. God works in mysterious ways.
- Zechariah prayed for many years for a child and did not get an answer. When the answer came, Zachariah forgot what he had been praying for. He felt that God had decided not to grant him a child anymore. His doubt was obvious to the Angel. What is that which I have been praying for? Have I reached a point of doubt? This reading should give me a rethink. God knows what He is doing.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, strengthen our faith when times are hard. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (December 19. Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Judges 13:2-7,24-25, Ps. 71:3-6,16-17, Luke 1:5-25).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu