19/12/2023

Today's readings are both about birth and purpose in life. Both the mothers have longed in vain  for a child. Really a son, for to bear a son was the objective of all pre-Christian mothers. Both these mothers-to-be had suffered the humiliation that it was to be a childless wife in those days, not only in Israel but throughout the world, and receive God's message with joyful gratitude. 

The mother whose time we are, as the people of God, awaiting also was prepared for motherhood by the message of an angel. She however was not "over the moon" as were the "wife" of Manoah and Elizabeth. Mary knew that her pregnancy was impossible but her response to the news was perfect obedience to IAMIAM, "be it done unto me according to thy word".

The first two mothers were also given intimations of how their sons were to be cared for and what they would achieve in their lifetimes. God knows everything so he does know the beginning and ending of this Universe and everything in it. He thus reveals a specific purpose for the lives of Samson and John but they too have human freedom and the ever present   necessity of aligning to the will of God. We can all sin.

We are not all outstanding individuals but every soul shares the common purpose of conforming to the Will of God. We can be confused by the complexities of life and by the folly of those who for some reason do not reveal their wisdom by virtue or virtue by wisdom but the Penny Catechism of our fathers taught us that "to know, love and serve" is all we need to know about life in the Providence of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and it is not wrong.

Human "Infallibility can and does err". Sin cannot be blessed even by God. Repentance can.

Dear Lord, forgive us our trespasses and forgive those who trespass against us. You know that I have been shaken in the depths of my being by realising that your Church has always acted as a kingdom of this world  and that millions of us have been mislead for centuries for you made it so clear at your trial that your Kingdom is not of this world. Help me to find a place in your "Church of the Spirit" and be as one with Mary and all your Saints in recognising only you as head of your Mystical Body on Earth and dedicated to accepting and doing you Will