Fourth Wednesday of Advent

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.  When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”  But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.

It is human nature to want to share our good news with family and friends, just as Zechariah and Elizabeth did with their relatives and neighbors. When doing so, we should give witness to God’s Goodness in our lives and thank Him for all He has done for us. We also shouldn’t let those who do not understand our faith to get in the way of celebrating our good news. Instead, our attitude of gratitude should be ever present in our thoughts, words, and works no matter who might question our faith. Like Zechariah, we should express our appreciation to God by doing His Will in spite of what others might think. We might not receive an angelic visitation to tell us what God’s Will is, but as long as we form our conscience wisely and well, we will know the right direction we should be taking in our lives. Then, when we do take those first few steps upon the narrow road to salvation, we too will have our mouths opened, our tongues free, and bless God for all He has done for us.

Do we invite others to share in the goods of our lives? Do we do God’s Will even when others might not understand it?  Do we bless God for all He has done for us?

O Lord, we only wish to be called your good and faithful children.

Amen.

Fourth Monday of Advent

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

After receiving the news that she was to bear the Son of God, Mary travels to visit with her cousin Elizabeth and help her with the final months of her pregnancy. This act of compassion is one which we would do well to imitate throughout our lives. No matter what is going on with us, great or small, we should always make time for others who are in need. We should never let an opportunity to do good pass us by because we are too busy being concerned about our own lives. Mary could have easily focused on her own pregnancy, but instead she chose to help her cousin in her time of need. Mary is blessed not just because she believed God and accepted His Will, but also because she acts with love, mercy, and grace toward others in a spirit of selfless humility.

How do our lives imitate the selfless compassion of Jesus and Mary? Do we make time to know, love, and serve others who are in need? Are we always on the lookout for opportunities to give of ourselves?

O Lord, let us travel to where you need us and do what you will for those in most need of your love, mercy, and grace.

Amen.