Dec. 23rd Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent(Click here for readings)
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.
The greatest story ever lived. "They rejoiced with her." "All were amazed." "Then fear came upon all..."
As we can clearly see, the unfolding of our salvation brings out a rollercoaster of emotions: joy, amazement and fear.
Joy is a blessing. It is not the result of a particular event or of a given moment in time. Hence, we would be foolish to hunt for joy as we do for Easter eggs; it would be a waste of our life and time.
Instead, we should rejoice in the Lord! Yes, joy comes from a constant awareness of being in God's presence, a presence as normal as our daily bread.
Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist, a birth as normal as any other, yet filled with God's presence and awe. Zechariah was aware of this. Elizabeth was too. From the outside looking in, there is nothing to remark. But from the inside looking out, we are overwhelmed with joy!
How can this be? Where there is faith, there too will be joy.
Amazement is a blessing. It is the acknowledgement of God's craftiness. Every day we should be careful to be speechless (like Zechariah), in shock (like his relatives), and in wonder (like his neighbors). There are no excuses, only pride. From the outside looking in, there is nothing but an all too familiar scene. But from the inside looking out, we are filled with amazement!
How can this be? Where there is hope, there too will be amazement.
Fear is a blessing. It is an acknowledgement of God's mighty power. Every day we should be mindful of how we should treat our parents, our children, our brothers and sisters, our neighbors and our relatives. There are no excuses, only sin. From the outside looking in, there is nothing to see but a family that is powerless. But from the inside looking out, they are only questions: "What, them, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him."
How can this be? Where there is love, there will always be some risk.
Father Alfonse - Happy 10th Year Anniversary of the Priesthood!!! We are so amazed and blessed by your service to the Diocese of Dallas. You have touched the hearts of all in ways that cannot be described. Thank-you for accepting the call to ministry. We enjoy the humor, the wisdom, and the little "surprises" you pass along to us in your meditations and homilies. :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe the Bishop can authorize a Papal Blessing in honor of your anniversary?? How cool would it be to display a blessing from Pope Francis on a wall in your office!
Merry Christmas!!!
-Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer! I don't know about the Papal Blessing, but I can sure use all the prayers. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful time of year for God, family and friends.