“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”
Daily Spiritual Reflections
Thursday, 24th December 2020.
Fourth Week of Advent
2 Sam 7:1-5,8-12,14,16;
Ps 89:2-5,27,29;
Lk 1:67-79
PRAISING THE GRATUITOUSNESS OF GOD
Gratitude is the best attitude a person can nurture. There is something exceptional about expressing gratitude, not just when they someone does something for us but for just being present in our life, especially when we need them the most. This warms the heart and forms bonds of trust in our relationships. Thanksgiving is a pervasive and essential concept in Scripture. The Holy Spirit is the source of thanksgiving because without the work of the Holy Spirit it is impossible to please God (cf. Rom 8:5–8). Thanksgiving has a Trinitarian zest because our God is a Triune God.
This is what we read in the Gospel of today. The Benedictus is a prayer of prophecy regarding the coming of the Saviour. Zechariah had doubted the message of the angel Gabriel regarding the arrival of the child, and was silenced. At the naming of his son John, which means ‘God is gracious’, his tongue was loosened and he burst into this marvellous prophetic song. He praised and proclaimed the action of God and gave thanks to him for redeeming his people, fulfilling the promises of the past. He then proceeded to thank God in anticipation of the fulfilment of the future promises. He was aware of all the blessings that God had showered on him and his family. In good times and in bad he remained faithful to God and never walked away from him.
As we prepare for the birth of our Saviour, let us ask ourselves: Do we really acknowledge the manifold blessings that God has showered upon us? Do we thank God when we receive favours from him; or remember him only when we face challenges and hardship? Let us ask his grace, that we may be fully aware of all the blessings he has showered upon us, and share these blessings with those who are poor or are in any kind of need, so that we may welcome the baby Jesus not only in our cribs but also in our hearts.
Response: I will sing forever of your mercies, O Lord.
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