Homily For Tuesday The Third Week of Advent Year B, 19th December, 2023

Readings Judges 13:2-7,24-25; Ps. 71; Luke: 1:5-25

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

DO NOT BE AFRAID FOR GOD HAS A PLAN FOR EVERYONE

 

Oftentimes, things happen in our lives that we can not explain how and why they happened. This is to tell us that we are unique and special, because, in our uniqueness, we come to realize that God has a special plan for everyone. This is evident in our readings today where we are presented with the message about the visits of the angel announcing the birth of great men giving birth by barren women in the Old and New Testament scriptures.

 

In our Gospel passage, we have Elizabeth mother of John the Baptist and the unnamed mother of Samson in the first reading. They remind us that God is in control of human history, and intervenes graciously in favour of the helpless and despised. For he knows how to guide us towards his plans for us.

 

Thus, Angel Gabriel was sent to bring good news to Zechariah, who did not believe his words. The first message of the angel to Zechariah was: “Do not be afraid, your prayer has been answered!” Up until now, most people do not know the plan of God for them and this causes fear in their lives. So, the message of the angel continues to be valid, “do not be afraid” for God has a plan for everyone and through prayers God reveals his plan for us.

 

Dear friends, the greatest plan of God is the salvation of our souls, to reconcile the heart of humanity toward their Creator, to reconstruct the fabric of human relationships and to build up a community of love and holiness. This was the mission of Samson, John and also the mission of Jesus and continues to be the most important mission and plan of God today. But, how are we contributing towards this mission? Remember, it is on this mission that we discover the purpose and plan of God for each one of us.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, every day we struggle to identify ourselves with your plans for us, grant that we may faithfully follow your plans and find joy in doing them no matter how difficult they may be, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed and fruitful day.