Third Week of Advent, Tuesday — 19th December 2023 – Judges 13,2-7.24-25; Luke 1,5-25
Chosen for Freedom
The first reading from Judges has many parallels to the Gospel reading from Luke. Both speak of elderly couples who have never had children. Both accounts present a messenger, i.e., an angel, from God making an announcement of the birth of a son. Both times the angel comes to the parent during a time of prayer. Both speak about the role of the chosen boy to be born of the elderly parents. Both stories also have the parents amazed at the possibility of their having a child at such an old age. The account from Judges speaks about the birth of Samson, a Nazarite child. The name means “one who saves.” Luke’s account is the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist, dedicated to ascetic life. The name means “God is gracious.” Both their lives embody their names. Both Samson and John will have key roles in helping the people of God prepare for a new life of freedom. The common elements in these announcements are: 1) Even when situations seem impossible, God intervenes to make great events happen; 2) Through prayer we can come to a clearer understanding of what God’s plan might be; and 3) Mission to work with God can be beneficial not just for ourselves, but for the people whom God wants us to help.
