3rd day SImbang Gabi Reflection, 18th December

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 outhow 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 word scan 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 Baptistis 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 allhope and all natural means.We can also remember in our first readingabout the appearance of an angel to the mother of Samson. She was alsobarren, 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 wifeSarah would bear him Isaac. (Gen 18)What could be the purpose of these stories? It is not merely torelate 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 notonly 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, broughtwith us, certain longings of our hearts: that for a long time, we havebeen 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 fora child. Let me share with you, three thingsas 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 Hispromise. 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 canhave the most fulfilling battle of our lives if only we have given allour best. Do not give up. Moreover, after trying and doing all themeans 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 leftus in a situation where we can see no way out. Let us keep on trustingin 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