Daily Reflection – Dec 24, 2018
Monday 24 December 2018
First Reading: 2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16
Responsorial Psalm:
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
PS 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 AND 29
Gospel Reading: LK 1:67-79
Today’s Note: Monday in Fourth Week of Advent – Mass in the Morning
Gospel Reading:
Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
for he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hand of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Reflection:
He has raised up for us a power for salvation in the House of his servant David. LK 1:69
On the eve of Christmas this year, the Scripture readings pick up the themes of housing the Lord and Covenant. David’s concern to build an appropriate house for the Lord is turned on its head when the prophet Nathan informs him that God is going to make him a house instead. Not only that, but God will make David great, preserve his offspring and ensure his sovereignty always stand secure with his throne established forever. What lengths this God will go to in order to care for David and the people of Israel!
Next, the psalmist then picks up the theme, praising God – his Covenant stands firm and is realised with David. Finally, St Luke takes up the story – telling a new prophecy sung by Zechariah when filled with the Holy Spirit. This is a song of praise and hope springing from the everlasting Covenant of God’s action in our world. It tells of the mission of his son, John the Baptist, going before Messiah preparing the way – preparing people for what will happen through the forgiveness of sin, the dawn of peace.
Tomorrow, a new dawn will break offering us, once again, the chance to come into the light and experience the peace of the one who saves us and makes us whole. In Jesus, born as a baby, we have the opportunity to let him live again ad make his home in our hearts.
What kind of nurturing home will your heart be for him this Christmas?
Lord, give me a heart big enough to allow all your care and goodness to live in me through your son, Jesus. Amen.
