HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF ADVENT

Homily for Monday of the 4th week of Advent

Judges 13:2-7, 24-25; LK 1:5-25

The first reading of today begins by informing us of the circumstances surrounding the birth of Sampson.  We are told: "There was a certain man of Zorah... Whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren... And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said, 'although you are barren, having borne no children, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor is to come on his head for the boy shall be a Nazarite to God from birth. It is he who shall deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines" (Judges 13:2-5).

Obviously, Samson had a special mission or performance. He was to wage almost a single-handed war against the philistines who raided some part of the territories of the Israelites. 

God gave him the strength to fulfill this mission.  "The boy grew,  and the Lord blessed him. The spirit of the Lord began to stir him in Maheneth-dan, between Zorah and Esthta-old" (Judges 13:24-25).

Friends in Christ, when God calls us for a particular mission, he strengthens us. He never calls and abandoned the mission to us. He is present in the mission. Most times the earliest events are meant to train those who had been called. Hence, parents must prepare their children for the future. The mother of Samson heeded the instructions of God: "Now be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, or eat anything unclean, for you shall conceive and bear a son" (judges 13:4-5). Parents should see the hand of God in their children as they play a significant role in their formation. 

The Gospel reading of today gives us the narrative surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. We are told: "There was a priest named Zachariah... His wife was descent from Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord" (Lk 1:5-6).

Obviously, Zachariah and Elizabeth stood out in what we call today a domestic church. A flawless and loving couple who in their observance of the law spent their life serving God. However,  the goodness of the family notwithstanding, they had their challenges. " They had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years" (Lk 1:7). In the eyes of men and women, it was considered a humiliation. 

Friends in Christ, the Christian family should never feel exonerated from trials and tribulations. Amid these challenges, firmness of faith in God should be the watchword. 

We are told: "The angel said to Zachariah, do not be afraid, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will hear you a Son, and you will call his name John' (Lk 1:13). Even when Zachariah doubted the possibility and reminded the angel of their advanced age (Lk1:18). The angel responded," because you did not believe in my words which will be fulfilled in the time, you will become mute and unable to speak, until the day these things occur" (Lk 1:19-20).

Beloved in Christ, our faith should be as unwavering as the faith of Abraham. We must demonstrate profoundly our belief in the promises of Christ in our lives both now and forever. 

We must like Zachariah and Elizabeth, never give up on God. We must never stop praying even if our prayer is not granted immediately. We must always and never loose heart in our prayer to God

May our guardian angels continue to accompany and minister to us, all about the nearness of God in our lives.

Have a wonderful day

Fr Remi Osj