December 18
Table of the Word
Jeremiah 23:5-8
Matthew 1:18-25
Theme: God's promise will never fail.
Reflection
Today's liturgy of the Word presents before us the following themes: hope, promise, and miracle. That is hope for the down trodden, promise for redemption and the miracle which God Himself performed for the love of humanity.
In the first reading, Jeremiah 23:5-8, he announces a message of hope and promise to the people of Israel. He speaks of a future leader who will bring justice and righteousness.
In Matthew 1:18-25 being today's Gospel pericope, we read the story of Joseph's dream, in which an angel appears to him and announces that Mary's child is the Son of God.
However, placing these two readings side by side, one could decipher that God's hand writing which is in crooked lines spells hope, peace and above all his ever abiding presence among us.
In the light of this, we ought to look out for the ways in which we can cultivate these virtues of hope and trust in God's promises. Keeping in mind the prophecy of Jeremiah: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11). This text is a powerful reminder that God has a good plan for our lives, and that He desires to prosper us and give us hope and a future.
Obviously, His plans are all good even if we can't see the full picture or its clarity. He desire to prosper us and to give us a fulfilling life. Also, He is ever ready to give us hope beyond human telling, even in difficult times, and a sense of purpose for the future.
Finally, as children of hope in Christ Jesus let us be more open to the miraculous and unexpected ways God works in our lives. It is in doing this, that we can vividly respond to God's call to faith and obedience, just as Joseph did in today's gospel pericope.
Let us pray
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we who are weighed down from of old by slavery beneath the yoke of sin, may be set free by the newness of the long-awaited Nativity of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 18122025
No comments:
Post a Comment