Tuesday, December 18, 2018

 

WEDNESDAY, 3rd Week of Advent

December 19, 2018 – WEDNESDAY, 3rd Week of Advent

O Radix Jesse

Violet.

 

Jgs 13: 2- 7, 24 - 25a / Lk 1: 5 - 25

 

[Misa de Gallo, White, with Gloria]

 

FROM THE 1ST READING:             Jgs 13: 2- 3, Sa

There was a man of Zorah of the tribe of Dan, called Manoah. His wife could not bear children. The Angel of the Lord appeared to this woman and said to her, "You have not borne children and have not given birth, but see, you are to conceive and give birth to a son... He shall begin the liberation of the Israelites from Philistine oppression."

 

FROM THE GOSPEL READING: Lk 1: 5-8, 13 -15a, 16-17

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zechariah, belonging to the priestly clan of Abiah. Elizabeth, Zechariah's wife, also belonged to a priestly family. Both of them were upright in the eyes of God and lived blamelessly in accordance with all the laws and commands of the Lord, but they had no child. Elizabeth could not have any and now they were very old....

 

But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah, be assured that your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you shall call him John. He will bring joy and gladness to you and many will rejoice at his birth. This son of yours will be great in the eyes of the Lord....

 

"Through him many of the people of Israel will turn to the Lord their God. He himself will open the way to the Lord with the spirit and power of the prophet Elijah; he will reconcile fathers and children, and lead the disobedient to wisdom and righteousness, in order to make ready for the Lord a people prepared."

 

REFLECTION

The Old Testament has many stories about barren women: Sarah wife of Abraham, Hannah the mother of Samuel, the mother of Samson, Elizabeth wife of Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. These women were barren and old: in their day and culture not having children was seen as a curse, a punishment from God.

 

In the first reading we hear about the Angel announcing the birth of Samson who "shall begin the liberation of the Israelites from Philistine oppression." In the Gospel reading an Angel announces to Zechariah the birth of John who will "make ready for the Lord a people prepared."

 

Samson and John the Baptist had special roles in salvation history. Their coming was announced by Angels of God. Indeed, "with God nothing is impossible." (Lk 1: 37)

Many of us pray to God facing what may seem impossible or improbable. When we pray we acknowledge our dependence on God. When we pray we live our reality as sons and daughters of our Father in heaven. May we have the faith and fidelity to pray often and always, even for the impossible or improbable, knowing and trusting that the Father answers all prayers.

 

FINALLY, WE PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ASKED OUR PRAYERS AND FOR THOSE WHO NEED OUR PRAYERS THE MOST. 

 

BIRTHDAY 

     Mary Cynthia Tan

 

WEDDING ANNVIERSARY 

     John Paul & Melody Dy

 

Have a good day!

 

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