Sign

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122018.cfm) reminds me of God's ultimate sign. 

It is not uncommon for people to ask for a sign from God. As human beings, we want to have tangible feedback from God, that’s why we ask for signs, and God knows this. The first reading tells us:

The LORD spoke to Ahaz:

Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;
let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!

However, Ahaz knew he should not tempt God, that He should have faith. Isaiah confirms this, and tells us the sign of God

But Ahaz answered,

"I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!"
Then Isaiah said:
Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary men,
must you also weary my God?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:
the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall name him Emmanuel.

We look for God’s sign or approval in different aspects of our lives. As we prepare for school or work, we want to know where God wants us to go. We want to know if we are doing the right thing and making the right decision. During times of insecurities, we want to know if we are really loved. During calamities and times of challenges, we want to know that we are protected. God knows this, so He has given the ultimate sign for us. A sign of his great, unconditional love for us. A sign of his humility. A sign of his strength.. A sign of his power. A sign of might. A sign of his protection

Jesus is the ultimate sign of God. 

God sent Jesus because he loves us, even if we are sinners, even if we are unworthy of that love. Jesus came as a carpenter’s son, born in a stable – reminding us that he is humble of heart, and he loves us so much he is willing to take human form to relate to us better, to know us better, and for us to relate to him and know him better. God conquered the world – he sent Jesus and defeated sin and death because of that love for us, because he is the only one who can do that. He wants to protect us from the evil one, and he continues to do so.

Whatever sign we are looking for, we can find it in God sending Jesus for us. When we don’t know what to do, let us continue to pray and seek God’s will as a sign of our humility and faith in Him. Let us not ask for mighty signs from God that confirms what we want, but be humble and willing to seek his will and obey it, even if it is not what we would have wanted.

This is how Mama Mary reacted in the gospel. When the angel told her what would happen, she did not ask or demand for signs no matter how difficult God’s plan may seem. She just trusted in God. She just had faith and said yes. This is how we should be. 

Do I ask for signs from God? How does God respond? Do I have faith in God? How am I preparing for Christmas?

As we prepare for Christmas, may we continue to seek God’s will in our lives. May we continue to be humble and prepare our hearts to be ready for him – for his will, for his coming.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another reminder. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus for us. Thank you for loving me so much. Lord, sorry for the times I ask for signs. Sorry for not trusting in you enough. Sorry for doubting. I pray that you help me increase my faith, and as I continue to prepare for Christmas, may I always be open and receptive of you. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

December 20, 2018

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Lectionary: 196

Reading 1 IS 7:10-14

The LORD spoke to Ahaz:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;
let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!
But Ahaz answered,
"I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!"
Then Isaiah said:
Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary men,
must you also weary my God?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:
the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall name him Emmanuel.

Responsorial Psalm PS 24:1-2, 3-4AB, 5-6

R. (see 7c and 10b) Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
The LORD's are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 1:26-38

In the sixth month,
the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?"
And the angel said to her in reply,
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her.