Reflection for Saturday, December 19, 1998: 3rd week in Advent.
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Authors
Rossi, Rich
Issue Date
1998-12-19
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Essay
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en_US
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Abstract
Advent is a season of renewal and anticipation, but it is also a season of hope. In today's readings, both Manoah's wife and Elizabeth, wife of Zechariah, after being unable to have children for many years, learn from angels that they are to have a child. When they learn that their hopes have been answered, they praise God. How often have we hoped for something to happen in our lives and then, when what we hoped for happens, forget to turn to God in thanksgiving for blessings received. Perhaps we don't recognize the gifts we receive each day? | |Usually, we don't recognize angels in our lives. We hold to the image that we are in control of our lives and it is through our own efforts that changes for the better, or for the worse, occur. I know when I look back into my own life and remember the times that I hoped for something and turned to God, I can see that my prayers were answered, but often not in the way I wanted. It is these unexpected changes in our lives which sometimes upon first look seem like additional burdens to us that we are actually gifted by God. Robert Frost in his poem talked of wanting to walk the road not taken. We need to be open to God's blessings not expected. | I have a Jesuit friend who once said at a baptism that each time a new baby is born, we are given proof that God has not given up hope on mankind. We know God has never given up hope on us. The challenge is not to lose hope in God.
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University Ministry, Creighton University.
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These reflections may not be sold or used commercially without permission. Personal or parish use is permitted.
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Lectionary number: 195