Breaking the Word

Third Week of Advent, Tuesday – 20^th December 2022 — Gospel: Luke 1,26-28   

A Quiet Revolution

God often starts his greatest works secretly and in small ways. How awesome and how unbelievable that is. God has come among us out of love for us. That is what we celebrate in the Incarnation – God in our flesh. In Scriptures we recall, to establish the people of Israel, God called Abraham to leave his home, yet his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Gen 15,5). To bring Israel out of Egypt, God spoke to Moses from the burning bush (Ex 3,5). The miraculous wonders followed in Egypt. Now, the greatest moment in all of human history, God becoming man, was initially communicated to only one person, Mary through angel Gabriel’s announcement. God has revealed the fullness of divine presence and people continue to see God’s face in the child born of Mary. The spiritual impact of this incarnation would be like a burst of light emanating from the Blessed Mother and enveloping the whole earth, leading men both to vilify and follow him. For now, at the annunciation, all remained quiet, unnoticed. The fact remains that God has taken a personal liking to each of us and responds to our desire to know and to be known. It all begins secretly, subtly and personally.

Third Week of Advent, Monday — 19^th December 2022 — Gospel: Luke 1,5-25 

There is an Answer

Luke’s infancy accounts plunge us into the world of ancient Israel: Torah, temple and priesthood. Zechariah enters the temple’s inner sanctuary to play his priestly role by offering the incense, a symbol of intercession on behalf of his people to God. At this solemn moment of prayer through sacrificial offering, God acts on behalf of his people in sending his angelic messenger to Zechariah to announce the good news of his son’s birth. It includes an assurance and comfort that Zechariah’s prayer has been heard. This announcement indicates that God answers prayers in ways that far surpass human expectations (1,13.25). Zechariah and Elizabeth, as well as all the people of Israel, have prayed and waited for the announcement until that day in the temple. The long history of waiting is about to end, and the prayers of God’s people are about to be answered. The result is “joy and gladness” for John’s parents, and rejoicing by many in Israel (1,14), for through Zechariah salvation is promised for all and to him a son.