Do miracles still happen?
Introduction
Though they were devoted to the temple and the
service of God, this old couple seemed condemned to be childless. God
seemed neglected their dogged fidelity to Him. On every level, this was
certainly a disaster, that in every Jewish family, a child can be a full proof
of special blessing. Elizabeth was barren and they were both advanced
in years. We could never really blame them, old and barren, yet can still
conceive? What could be your reaction upon seeing a lola walking along
in her maternity dress? How would you feel, if one day, you will see your
Granny, having stomach pains in the morning and suddenly telling you,
“Apo, I am pregnant!”
Body
The announcement of the birth of John by the Angel Gabriel
shows us that nothing is impossible with God. It is true!
After long years of waiting for a child, the announcement came
as a surprise especially for Zechariah, nodding his head in disbelief, as
if telling the angel: “Do not add up to our misery. This must have been
a joke!”
For longs years, they prayed for a baby, they longed to fill-up the
empty womb. Perhaps, they might have sought help just to figure it out
how to have a baby that probably cost them so much, even their lives!
It must have been a very painful experience for both of them; no words
can explain the anguish and unhappiness of the state of their married life,
for long years, they wept a thousand tears.
Luke’s infancy stories are built on a comparison: John the Baptist
is compared to Jesus. First, John is the climax of all the hopes of the
Old Testament, and then we see Jesus, even greater than John. Second,
there are two annunciations in the Gospel, which we have heard today,
that is to Zechariah, and later on to Mary, by the same Angel Gabriel.
In both cases, the Angel comes to tell that a son will be born against all
hope and all natural means.We can also remember in our first reading
about the appearance of an angel to the mother of Samson. She was also
barren, when an angel of the Lord Yahweh appeared to her and told her
she would conceive and give birth to a son. Our father in faith, Abraham,
also received a similar visit from the angel to promise that his barren wife
Sarah would bear him Isaac. (Gen 18)
What could be the purpose of these stories? It is not merely to
relate miraculous happenings. It is not just a simple birth of babies. That
is not the only reason to celebrate. It is celebration of faith, that It is not
only reasons to celebrate, it is celebration of faith, that indeed, miracles
still do happen!
Perhaps, at the start of the Simbang-gabi, most of us, brought
with us, certain longings of our hearts: that for a long time, we have
been praying on bended knees, asking the Lord to grant us our petitions.
Perhaps, for healing, for a new job, finding the perfect partner in life,
passing board exam, or just like Zechariah and Elizabeth, praying for
a child. Let me share with you, three things
as we all continue to present to God our “special requests.”
· Continue hoping- there is absolutely nothing is impossible with
God. God will always be true to His promise, God fulfills His
promise. The Lord is true to His words. That inspite our infidelity,
God continues to be a God of second chances, He continuously
allows us to feel His loving concern. That even if seemingly it is
only hope that we can cling to.
· Do whatever you can- and God will do His part. We can
have the most fulfilling battle of our lives if only we have given all
our best. Do not give up. Moreover, after trying and doing all the
means and ways for our problems, it is then we allow God to do
His part, ultimately surrendering everything to God.
· Allow God to surprise you- miracles still do happen. You
may not receive the answers to the longings of your heart and
the greatest need of your soul, but still in one way or another, the
grace of God will always be there to surprise us, if only we have
the eyes of faith. Just when we begin to think it’s going to be the
end , the Lord pulls the rug from under our feet to tell us that it
isn’t exactly quite over yet. Through faith, we can have the eyes
to see the blessings that come our ways. Through faith, we believe
that God will never abandon us, even in our need.
Conclusion
There would be times in our lives that God seems to have left
us in a situation where we can see no way out. Let us keep on trusting
in His love. No matter how dark the horizon may be, with the help and
grace of faith, we know that He is always by our side.
Question
What surprise have you receive from God recently?
Rev. Msgr. Geronimo F. Reyes, JCD
Judicial Vicar
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