19 Dec
Mon
4th Week of Advent
Jdg. 13:2-7,24-25a
Ps. 71(70):3-4a,5-6ab,16-17
Lk. 1:5-25
(Ps Wk IV)
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John the Baptist and Jesus were both conceived through a special grace of God. Both of them were children born of a promise of God. The story of the birth of Samson shows us how God was working all through the history of Israel to prepare for the fulfillment of the promise of a saviour.

God taught the people of Israel not to be overwhelmed by circumstances and blind to God's greatness. God created nature but his divine power and his goodness were not limited by nature. The stories of Samson and John the Baptist both assure us that God's grace will always, when necessary create ever new opportunities and occaions of grace. Similarly, in fulfiling the promise of a saviour, God was not limited by the expression of that promise. As we have had occasion to remark before in these reflections, God never said that he would send his Son as our saviour, but then, in the fulness of time God sent, not just a human saviour but his own Son, born of the Virgin Mary.

In response to these biblical revelations, we learn not to be too quick to determine for ourselves what God can or cannot do: "With God all things are possible" (Mt. 9:26; Mk. 10:27). We may always expect the unexpected from God's infinite love and mercy.



Lord, keep our hearts always ready in hope to receive the grace which Your eternal love offers to us.


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over.
Elaboration

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