ENJOYING THE EVE

According to my grand timeline, I would go to law school straight from college graduation, become a lawyer and work for humanitarian causes from there on out. It was the normal, noble thing to do.

       Because I didn’t plan for detours, I grew bitter when my parents asked me to try living in another country after college. I was so attached to my comfortable life that leaving it all behind — the support system, house help, the grand plan —seemed like an unjust weight on my shoulders.

       Only when I let go of my timeline and enjoyed the detour did things fall into place. Soon, after learning how to earn and seeing a little more of the world, I was right where I wanted to be: a student of law making her dream come true.

       Waiting is one of the hardest things we must deal with. Often we fluctuate between hope and despair, tension and anticipation, especially when what we’re waiting for is extremely important to us. But God’s  promise is that our deepest desires will bear fruit in His perfect time, regardless of any detours and road blocks that come our way. Ria Macasaet(ria.macasaet@gmail.com)

Reflection: Today, offer all your eves to the Lord—whatever it is you’re waiting and praying for—and let your detours work for you.

Lord, may I learn to enjoy all the eves of my life, especially tonight, as I await the gift of Your birth.

It is not for us to decide what God needs; it is the other way around — we should surrender to whatever God gives and decides for us. Let us always seek to be open to whatever graces the Lord bestows on us and commit ourselves to use them for the benefit of others, as well as ourselves. Let us never be selfish in the way we live our lives. Jesus lived for others — we should follow His example and do the same.

1 When King David was settled in his palace, and the Lord had given him rest from his enemies on every side, 2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” 3 Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with  you.” 4 But that night the Lord spoke to Nathan and said: 5 “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Should you build me a house to dwell in?’ 8 It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. 10 I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, 11 since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. 12 And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. 16 Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’’’

1 [2] The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: 4 [5] Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” (R) 26 [27] “He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’ 28 [29] Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.” (R)

One of the aspects of the Gospel is that it turns upside down many of the faithful’s materialistic desires. For example, it is not in this world that God will reward us but in eternal life with Him in heaven. Yes, some, but not all, will receive earthly riches as well, but we need to see that these are nothing compared to the graces and riches of eternal life. Only faith can help us do that.

O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

67 Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and set them free. 69 He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David, 70 Through his prophets he promised of old 71 that he would save us from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. 72 He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. 73 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to set us free from the hand of enemies, free to worship him without fear, 75 holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. 76 You, my child, shall be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins. 78 In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, 79 to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

think:  We need to see that earthly riches are nothing compared to the graces and riches of eternal life.

SONG OF AFFIRMATION

On this Christmas Eve, we are introduced to the canticle of Zechariah. What a beautiful song by this holy man at the birth of his son, John. This canticle is sung by priests and religious at every Morning Prayer of the Church. It is a joyous song of praising the God who saves. Rich in salvation history and redemption, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Zechariah blesses God, then turns to bless his son and his future.

       The song is of two parts. Firstly, God is blessed for having visited His people. He has fulfilled His promise in the House of David, sending a Ruler and Shepherd as in the days of old. The song proclaims a faithful God of the covenant who remembers His people. The second part of the song is focused on the baby, John. He is called as a prophet who will go before the Lord to prepare His ways of righteousness and justice. Through John’s ministry, the people will have knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sins. He will be a lamp shining brightly, enlightening others by His words and actions.

       I often imagine the song being sung over the child with great joy and delight. How affirming of his father. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, having spent so much time in silent reflection, Zechariah proclaims with great confidence the truth of his son’s future. The Gospel reminds us of God’s goodness.

       We know that parents have a responsibility to show care and love to their children. Children need affirmation and recognition. Psychologists tell us the first seven years are incredibly significant for the child’s ongoing development and maturity. The first seven years of one’s life are vital in setting the future. God has great plans for our children. Allow the song of Zechariah to inspire within us the praise of God for His awesome kindness and love. The reflection of the song of Zechariah encourages parents to love their children. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTION: How can I encourage my child more? How can I grow in the affirmation of others?

Lord, show me the way of Your loving kindness. Teach me to love and affirm others. Amen.