God Makes Things Perfect at His Own Time

12-23-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. Julius Kundi

The gospel account is about two pregnant women: Elizabeth and Mary. These were remarkable women. Remarkable in the sense that under ordinary circumstances they would not have been pregnant. One was a virgin; the other was beyond, way beyond childbearing. These two great women understood the miracle of conception and birth. To add to the unexplainable mystery, they both bore within their wombs mysterious babies. One bore the Christ, God's only begotten Son; the other bore John the Baptist. Both of them were full of joy for themselves and for each other despite their age differences. Indeed God was at work within them!

What does this entire interchange have to do with us and how we live our lives? First is to know and accept that God makes things beautiful and perfect at his own time. Second, we are to see here a great call to pay more attention to what is inside of us. The most awesome in us is, of course, the soul. It is this spiritual part in us that allow us to love, to have friendships and to truly relate to others. Like Elizabeth and Mary, we too carry within us the presence of Christ. Like Mary we carry him inside of us not just for our sakes but in order to share him with others. The fact that both Elizabeth andMary had this divine intervention is a reminder that our own lives too are a gift of God.

Yes, our Catholic faith is not simply about saving ourselves and getting ourselves into heaven. God made us who we are for the life of the world; to bring care, love, compassion, concern and love to others. God calls us to reveal His Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. The devil will always try to convince you to ignore this special call. But I remind you of the prophecies of Micah in the first reading: “Thus says the Lord: You, Bethlehem of Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel..... his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace.”

God is always working within us and for our good, no matter how insignificant we appear to be. How we live our lives can have a tremendous influence on others around us, for within us God has deposited the power to bring Christ’s love, compassion, mercy and friendship to those around us. God can make His Salvation known also from an insignificant you....to unite all under God.

Merry Christmas!
Fr. Julius

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