Enter the sanctuary of the Lord

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25

Notes

In our old testament reading today, the Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, who therefore delivered them into the power of the Philistines for forty years. At the same time, the wife of Manoah was barren. Manoah righteous before G-d prayed for his people and for his wife that they both be liberated. The first from their evil committed by the people and for him and his spouse the evil they had upon them through no fault, infertility.

In our gospel portion today, In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.

• The men prayed for the people and for themselves.
• The woman accepted the will of G-d to come to their aid.
• The world was changed forever.

Summary

In today’s readings we have two couples with similar problems. A people oppressed and a wife with a barren womb. For a women in those times, and for all times, the height of her femininity, a reflection of G-d, is her fertility. Unable to bear children was given up in prayer asking gift from the divine for a baby. It is a marvelous answer given that the LORD, knowing all needs, brought forth Samson and John the Baptist. Joy of their parents, active agents of our liberation.

Samson: It is he who will begin to save Israel from the power of the Philistines. Consecrated to God from the womb.

John the Baptist: He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.

Reflection

I think everyone has a sense of purpose for their life. A purpose deeper than career aspirations or property acquisition. These two children bring out that message quite clearly, that prayer for the liberation of the people and the fulfillment of a woman’s highest honor and praise is the way to the heart of the divine. These stories are singular, but repeated throughout sacred Scripture in different times and different ways.

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6-7).

Enter the sanctuary of the Lord. Where is this sanctuary? Out in the field at work. In the quiet of your own home. In the sacred space of your marriage. In the secret places of your soul. At the Church. Enter the sanctuary of the Lord who waits for you there. To hear your worries, strengthen you in love and fulfill your heart’s desire. Because he loves you.

Personal Reflection

I get confused. Sometimes disoriented. Often hurt by the cruelty of others. The consumeristic world surrounding us is filled with illogical thinking and behavioral madness. People act in contradiction to their best interests because they are manipulated into believing otherwise. It is far better for me and for you to enter the sanctuary. The sacred space between us and G-d. Because I have confidence that when I pray it is both for the people and for my family.

First Reading

There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had borne no children. An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. She brought her husband Manoah to the angel to hear again. ‘You will be with child and will bear a son. So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, until the day of his death.'”

The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; the Spirit of the LORD stirred him.

Previously: The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, who therefore delivered them into the power of the Philistines for forty years.
Divine response: The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; the Spirit of the LORD stirred him.

Responsorial

My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!

Gospel Acclamation

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

Gospel

He was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry