ADVENT Gospel for Monday December 23 Christmas Week
The Birth of John.
57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
REFLECTION
Advent travelers, we have read about many miracles this Advent. A virgin is with child. A carpenter goes against everything he believes in and takes a pregnant girl into his home as his wife. An old woman is with child. A priest struck mute by God can speak again. All of these miracles are preceded by a quieted heart and a humbled “Yes”.
As Christmas looms, let’s take their example and find a moment to quiet ourselves and say our “Yes” to whatever miracles God has in store for us this year.
Indeed, the baby Jesus was born once in human history and this we celebrate with all we have. We are the chosen generation.
The same Spirit who played upon the waters at the creation of the world (Gen. 1:2) gave Mary a son, Joseph his courage, and Elizabeth a prophet to proclaim his coming; intervenes in our lives.
If we take the time to listen and have at the ready our “Yes”, this same Spirit will show us our place in his plan.
