HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR C
Judges 13:2-7,24-25, Psalm 70:3-6,16-17, Luke 1:5-25
Childlessness in the African society is looked upon as a curse. Married couples without a child are often shamed and insulted because of their situation, but that should not be something to be worried about because God’s time is always the best. When life seems tough and difficult, we should not give up hope but hold on to faith because God knows and sees our conditions. His timing is perfect for us.
In the gospel of today, we see the story of the parents of John the Baptist and how they were without a child on till their old age. It was said that, the angel Gabriel appeared before Zachariah and gave him a message that his wife will give birth to a child in their old age. This sounds really funny because, biologically, they have passed the period of having a child. Zachariah doubted God’s message and was punished with dumbness.
Should Zachariah be blamed for doubting? Of course no! because naturally, the message of the angel to Zachariah seem too impossible because of their age and long periods of waiting, but with God all things are possible.
Zechariah suffered much for his lack of faith, but that suffering led to a renewal of faith when he named his child John in obedience to the Archangel.
When we are greeted with situations that make us doubt God, what do we do? Do we just give in to doubt? We need faith to please God and to allow the plan of God for us to come to pass. Let us shun the attitude of doubt and grow in faith, because faith is necessary for our salvation.
In doubt, we become very limited and cannot receive God’s blessings. But with faith, impossible things becomes possible. Reflect, today, upon how well we listen to all that God says to us. Do we listen, believe and obey? Or do we question and doubt God’s voice. Let us reflect today on the many times we have doubted God and pray for forgiveness. Peace be with you.
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