Luke Chapter 1
The first reading sets us up for the coming of Christ. Here we learn of the birth of John the Baptist, the man that was to prepare the people for the coming of Christ. This chapter also contains the story of the Annunciation to Mary. The faith that Elizabeth and Mary had are amazing, to take on the demanding and courageous task of raising these two men that were going to be such leaders and change the history of the world. Would we have the courage and faith to anwer yes if the Lord ever asked us to raise such a child as John or Jesus?
2 Comments:
Maggen- In response to your thoughts, and some more of my own...
1) I think we all desire the faith to say "Not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matt. 26:39) It's scary to think that you have no control of what is going to happen to you. But isn't that what humanity has struggled with since the beginning of civilization? Isn't that why all people feel compelled to start or join some sort of religion? It's a comfort to know that there is something bigger out there keeping watch and helping and loving you no matter what. The hard part is fully believing that, no matter what.
2) I think if I were suddenly confronted by a large, extremely bright figure I too would be a little worried. Also, looking in the concordance, the Greek word used whenever the angel tells Zacharias or Mary not to fear can also be translated "to be in awe of" or "reverance." Why you should not reverence an angel, I'm not totally sure... But it's something more to think on.
3) Feeling "two inches small" is being humbled. It takes a *lot* to humble yourself and admit you are/were wrong. Especially to someone like God who has known all along that you were wrong. It is quite the obstacle, but doesn't it feel better to know that yes, you were wrong, but by admitting it, everything worked out? By finally being able to admit that he was wrong to have disbelieved the Lord, Zacharias humbles himself so that he may see past himself and hear what the Lord wishes him to do to raise this child that will usher in the Christ.
3b)Though it may not be said, there could have been more disbelief in Zacharias, or because of his being an elder in the templ and Mary a young woman there may have been more room for growth and less reason for Zacharias to doubt. First thought on that... Or maybe the burden of bearing a child out of wedlock was so much that striking her dumb as well would be too much? Mary does completely surrender herself to God's will. I wonder if there was something going on in Zacharias' heart and spirit that did not allow him to completely surrender. It seems like he still woul have had some doubt even when the angel told him what would happen.
I would write more, but I am late for trio and haven't had dinner yet... YouTube is a big time waster...
Sorry this has taken so long. I haven't gotten a chance to really read the link until today. I have always had a bit of an issue with the Maryology of the Catholic Church. Yes, she was an amazing woman. Yes, she gave birth to and raised the Son of God. But, she was not herself born of an Immaculate Conception. She was not always a virgin. She did raise children with her husband, Joseph. I have never understood the need to pray to Mary or the Saints. Just pray to God. If He's Lord of All and truly a Loving God, he will listen to you directly. You don't need his darling mother to intercede for you because she's his mother and he'd never ignore her. It has always just seemed like idolatry in disguise to me. I agree some of the saints were pretty awesome. I am a fan of St. Francis. I just don't think that you should pray to them.
That is my rant on the Catholic church...
As far as the reading goes, I was looking at the the role of John and what was prophesied of him. What a role that would be, the Prophet of the Highest. How would Jesus' life have been if it was not for John's preparing the way and starting to turn the hearts of the people. Jesus would not have gotten anywhere near as much done in the short time on Earth that he had. Though, what he achieved in his three years of ministry is still amazing.
For all of the people involved in this chapter (Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, John and even Jesus) there was great faith required to fulfill their duties. We just had a sermon today about possession. The world today tells us we own our lives, we own our bodies, we own this world. In truth, all of these things are the Lords. He lends these things to us for us to take care of for him. We are merely stewards. The people in this reading all show perfect stewardship. None of them are concerned with what the world will think, with a slight exception of Zacharias when first told he would have a son, they all were completely open to do the Lord's will. If there were more people today who were open to hearing and doing the Lords will (myself included) how much different would life in this world be? It would be a heck of a lot better, I would think. But just speculation.
Those are my thoughts for now. Sorry again for the long wait.
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