TODAY'S WORD

By


Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore

LUKE 5: 6-7

Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

REFLECTION

FIRST READING

Have you read the account of the announcement of the birth of Samson (Judg 13:2-25) 

Did you not observe that even God declared a knowledge of the predicaments of their parents (cf. Judg 13:3)? 

God also knows of whatever is happening to you now. He is going to visit you at the right time. He visited the parents of Samson when it was time for the child to be born to them to work for the glory of his name. 

He will surely visit you to bless you also for the glory of his name. God does not fail his people and he will not fail you!

The Gospel of the Day is the inspiring story of two exemplary persons- Elizabeth and Zechariah - who displayed the courage "to remain faithful" even while staring at hopelessness and despair.

It's interesting to note the meanings of their names...

"Zechariah" meant "The Lord remembers"

"Elizabeth" meant "the oath of God"

Combined, their names would mean, "The Lord remembers His Oath!"

However, life seemingly handed them something quite opposite...

Their childlessness caused to seem that the Lord had totally forgotten!

The barrenness of Elizabeth caused to seem that the Lord had His memories lost!

How true is this situation in our own lives too?

We bank on God's promises that "He would provide" everything...

but when some of our expectations fall short, we feel God is just not with us!

We feel joyful to know that God's Providence will guide us through...

... yet, when some unforeseen and sudden mishaps happen, we feel God has forgotten us!

We feel assured to realise that God will always shelter us...

... however, when we  find ourselves in the thickets of problems and crises, we feel God has left us!

This is where we need to look to Zechariah and Elizabeth and be inspired by their amazing faith.

Though life did not move the way they wished...

Though many of their honest longings were not fulfilled...

Though they had to go through occasions of shame and dishonour...

Though all possibilities of hope and expectation was "lost", humanly speaking...

... they still kept the faith!

... they still remained true to the Lord!

... they still continued to be devout to God!


The Gospel says, "they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless" (Lk 1: 6)

We are called to be  "Forever Faithful"...even when our life ahead seems uncertain and the road ahead looks too dark

By firmly trusting Divine Providence and obeying His Will in our lives


RESOLUTION

Let us resolutely make efforts to do away with sinful tendencies and seek to be holy

Our God is a God Who cares much for His people...

Our God is a God Who deeply loves His Own...

This deep care and love, however, deserves our steadfast faithfulness and uncompromising fidelity.

Yes, let our Christian Lives be a life of loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander...

... and may we, firmly hold high the banner - Forever Faithful!"


Have a faithful day and an amazing weekend.  God bless you