“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”
Daily Spiritual Reflections
23rd December 2021
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THURSDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT (O Emmanuel)
Mal 3: 1-4,23-24; Ps 25: 4-5,8-10,14; Lk 1: 57-66
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WHAT IS THE PLAN OF GOD FOR OUR CHILD?
The birth of John the Baptist gives new hope and a new perspective to each one of us. The birth of the newborn in every family is a joyous occasion. The child that is born in the family brings along with it the love of God. It reminds us that God still loves the world and he is busy doing the same since the beginning of creation. At the same time, every family do wonder what lies ahead for the child that is born. What the child will be? What is the plan of God for our child?
All the answers to our questions are found in the gospel reading today. It’s the birth of John the Baptist. Each element in the birth of John is very significant. Even the bare report of the birth like, “Elizabeth bore a son” echoes the words, “your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Lk 1:13). When her neighbours and relatives heard of the birth, they rejoiced with her, thereby fulfilling the prediction that “many will rejoice at his birth” (Lk 1:14). His birth takes place six months before the birth of Jesus the Messiah. The relatives of Elizabeth and John did ask the same question saying what then will this child be? God planned that John prepare the way for the Lord. He is to be the messenger, to carry the good news to all those who are eagerly awaiting the Lord. He introduces to the people, the kingdom of God, and directs the people towards the Messiah, thus well executing in John the full vision and mission of God.
However, the plan of God in every other newborn child seems vague and uncertain. It is because of our poor relationship with the Lord. The parents of John too were uncertain but their faith to conceive in their old age had given them new hope and visions into the life of John. They just relied upon God’s plan than on their own. Though the path was unclear their faith paved the way for their child. May the life of Zachariah and Elizabeth be an inspiration to every parent who is anxious about the future of their children.
Response: Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
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