SERMON/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT 23RD DECEMBER 2023
SERMON/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT 23RD DECEMBER 2023 Malachi 3:1-4; 4:5-6; Ps.25; Luke 1:57-66 “God is Merciful” When the angel of the Lord visited Zechariah to inform him that the wife will conceive and bear a son, the angel categorically mentioned the name that will be given to the child. The same was true when the angel visited the Blessed Virgin Mary and Joseph in a dream. The choosing of name for John and Jesus is connected to their purpose on earth. Everything about them was speaking about their mission; and so, from the very moment of their birth, their lives radiated their mission. The name John means “God is merciful” or “God has shown favour”. Indeed the life of John speaks of the mercy of God. In his mercy, God remembered Zechariah and Elizabeth at their old age with the gift of John. She who was once called barren is now playing host to neighbours and relatives who have come to rejoice at her childbirth. The birth of John also signified the mercy o...