Prophecy of Presence

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate our celebration of the Incarnation and our attention to God with us.

Pause to Perceive Presence

The reading from the Second Book of Samuel is the Oracle of Nathan that expresses God’s Covenant with David.

* [7:8–16] The message Nathan delivers to David, called the Dynastic Oracle, is prompted by David’s intention to build a house (i.e., a temple) for the Lord, like David’s own house (i.e., palace) of cedar. David is told, in effect, not to bother building a house for the Lord; rather, the Lord will make a house for him—a dynasty, the House of David. Not only will he have descendants (v. 12) who will sit upon the throne of Israel (v. 13), their rule will last forever (vv. 13, 16); and even if they transgress the Lord’s commands, the line of David will never be removed from kingship as Saul was (cf. 1 Sm 13; 15). The oracle establishes the Davidic king as standing in relationship to the Lord as a son to a father (v. 14; cf. Ps 2:7; 89:27). The Dynastic Oracle, with cognate texts in the Scriptures, is the basis for Jewish expectations of an anointed king (1 Sm 12:3, 5), son of David (Mt 21:9); cf. Acts 2:30; Heb 1:5. (2 Samuel, CHAPTER 7, n.d.)

Psalm 89 praises God’s Covenant with David.

* [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38). Since the defeat of the king calls into question God’s promise, the community ardently prays God to be faithful to the original promise to David (Ps 89:39–52). (Psalms, PSALM 89, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke is Zechariah’s Prophecy in a Canticle.

* [1:68–79] Like the canticle of Mary (Lk 1:46–55) the canticle of Zechariah is only loosely connected with its context. Apart from Lk 1:76–77, the hymn in speaking of a horn for our salvation (Lk 1:69) and the daybreak from on high (Lk 1:78) applies more closely to Jesus and his work than to John. Again like Mary’s canticle, it is largely composed of phrases taken from the Greek Old Testament and may have been a Jewish Christian hymn of praise that Luke adapted to fit the present context by inserting Lk 1:76–77 to give Zechariah’s reply to the question asked in Lk 1:66. (Luke, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. (2014) comments that there still is time today. We can prepare for tonight and tomorrow. We can ask "Come, Lord, Jesus," in this moment. We can experience a longing in our hearts to know Jesus' love and mercy, and to feel a small "Rejoice," or even a really big one, flow from deep inside.

Let us approach the manger of our salvation tonight and tomorrow with great openness to the graces each of us can yet hope for and receive - for our own inner peace, and that we might bring peace to others in our lives, because of what we ourselves have embraced. (Alexander, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “My words will not pass away,” by an anonymous early author from the Greek church.

"'O forerunner of Christ!... O Baptist inspired by God! We glorify Christ who bowed his head before you in the Jordan and sanctified the nature of mortal humankind... O wise John the forerunner, you have looked down from the bank of the river upon the glory of the Father's Word, even the Son as he stood in the waters; and you have seen the Spirit descend as a dove, cleansing and enlightening the ends of the earth. To you the mystery of the Trinity was revealed; and to you we sing, honoring your divine festival.

"O Baptist and forerunner, strengthened by the divine grace of Christ you have shown us the lamb that takes away all the sins of the world (John 1:29,35-36), and with joy you have this day brought two disciples to him (John 1:35-42). Entreat him that peace and great mercy may be given to our souls." (excerpt from SYNAXIS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 1:67-79 comments that we all long to be at peace. Surely Zechariah pondered the promise of peace as he spent nine silent months alone with his thoughts. We know that because when Zechariah’s mouth was finally opened, he proclaimed that the Messiah, whom his son would serve, had come to lead us in paths of peace (Luke 1:79).

No doubt the most peaceful place to have been on that first Christmas Eve was at the manger. So tonight make the effort to spend some time there as well. Imagine the stillness of the scene. Mary and Joseph are nearby. The baby Jesus opens his eyes to look at you with an expression that says, “See how far I’ve come for you!” If only for this one moment, let him assure you that he is taking care of you. Then, in response, give him thanks and praise. Tell him that you love him. Let him fill you with the peace that sets your heart at rest and enables you to be an instrument of his peace in the world.

“Father, I rejoice that you have brought me peace through the coming of your Son, Jesus.” (Meditation on Luke 1:67-79, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the desire of David to keep the Ark of the Covenant in a palace that is comparable to the dwelling he has built for himself. Nathan is a messenger to inform David that He will not build a Temple for God possibly because of his shedding blood and being arrogant. Friar Jude reminds us how the Three Canticles in Luke’s Gospel fit well with the extraordinary events that he presents.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Jeannie Alexander, and Episcopal priest Claire Brown to contemplate listening on Christmas Eve.

Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. . . . He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.” —Luke 1:46–47, 52, Common English Bible

Today we practice listening to that body wisdom and prophecy. Find a quiet, comfortable position. Close your eyes, and bring your attention to your breath. Notice the places where your body rests: on your chair, feet on the floor, hands in your lap. Let the rhythm of your breath lead your attention across your body, starting from your toes and feet to your legs and knees; your seat, belly, and back; your arms, hands, and fingers; your chest, shoulders, and neck; your face and head. Spend time noticing where pressure, tension, or relaxation are in your body without rushing past, judging, disciplining, and fixing. Let your body speak its Advent prayer. [2] (Rohr, 2022)

We are invited today to pause and become aware of the place we find ourselves on the Eve of Christmas in our relationships with God and the community around us.

References

Alexander, A. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/122422.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1 

Meditation on Luke 1:67-79. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/12/24/559430/ 

Psalms, PSALM 89. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89?2 

Rohr, R. (2022, December 24). Incarnation: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/incarnation-weekly-summary-2022-12-24/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Nothing Is Impossible with God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=dec24 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 7. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/7?1 

Turning Hearts to Humility

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the message that our birth brings to our community about our journey in pursuit of truth, beauty, and love.

Message of Love and Humility

The reading from the Prophet Malachi heralds the Coming Messenger.

* [3:23] Elijah: taken up in a whirlwind, according to 2 Kgs 2:11. Here his return seems to be foretold. A Jewish tradition interpreted this literally; the gospels saw Elijah in the person of John the Baptist (Mt 11:13–14; 17:10–13; Mk 9:9–13). (Malachi, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

Psalm 25 is a prayer for Guidance and for Deliverance.

* [Psalm 25] A lament. Each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Such acrostic Psalms are often a series of statements only loosely connected. The psalmist mixes ardent pleas (Ps 25:1–2, 16–22) with expressions of confidence in God who forgives and guides. (Psalms, PSALM 25, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke describes the Birth of John the Baptist.

* [1:57–66] The birth and circumcision of John above all emphasize John’s incorporation into the people of Israel by the sign of the covenant (Gn 17:1–12). The narrative of John’s circumcision also prepares the way for the subsequent description of the circumcision of Jesus in Lk 2:21. At the beginning of his two-volume work Luke shows those who play crucial roles in the inauguration of Christianity to be wholly a part of the people of Israel. At the end of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 21:20; 22:3; 23:6–9; 24:14–16; 26:2–8, 22–23) he will argue that Christianity is the direct descendant of Pharisaic Judaism. (Luke, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

Tom Lenz comments (2020) that Zechariah was clearly a good man, but the contrast between Mary and him is what caught his attention in this story. Mary represents humility, simplicity, and a way of life that doesn’t match the cultural expectations of power, money, attachment, or achievement. Zechariah, on the other hand, was in a position to question rather than trust. He was not yet ready to receive. Perhaps this was the purpose of the gift of silence he received from Gabriel. He needed more time in silence and stillness. This stillness that he experienced in the nine months leading up to the birth of John allowed him to truly see and rejoice at the gift – it put him in a position to receive.

The contrasts between Mary and Zechariah is yet another example in the Gospel stories that show us that nothingness, a certain type of virginity, puts us in a position to receive. We can hear God best when we are still, and without feeling the need for status, power, money, influence, and achievement. It seems that the Gospel stories continue to tell us to let go of these things and return to our virgin-like state – like Mary. If we do, we can then be ready  for the coming of the Christ Jesus. (Lenz, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The parallels between John and Jesus,” by Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD).

"The elderly Elizabeth gave birth to the last of the prophets, and Mary, a young girl, to the Lord of the angels. The daughter of Aaron gave birth to the voice in the desert (Isaiah 63:9), but the daughter of David to the strong God of the earth. The barren one gave birth to him who remits sins, but the Virgin gave birth to him who takes them away (John 1:29). Elizabeth gave birth to him who reconciled people through repentance, but Mary gave birth to him who purified the lands of uncleanness. The elder one lit a lamp in the house of Jacob, his father, for this lamp itself was John (John 5:35), while the younger one lit the Sun of Justice (Malachi 4:2) for all the nations. The angel announced to Zechariah, so that the slain one would proclaim the crucified one and that the hated one would proclaim the envied one. He who was to baptize with water would proclaim him who would baptize with fire and with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). The light, which was not obscure, would proclaim the Sun of Justice. The one filled with the Spirit would proclaim concerning him who gives the Spirit. The priest calling with the trumpet would proclaim concerning the one who is to come at the sound of the trumpet at the end. The voice would proclaim concerning the Word, and the one who saw the dove would proclaim concerning him upon whom the dove rested, like the lightning before the thunder." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON TATIAN'S DIATESSARON 1.31) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 comments that like that silversmith, our heavenly Father wants to hold us carefully and attentively as he refines us. He knows which impurities will rise to the surface this year, and he already has a plan to help us remove them. Maybe it’s envy of a prosperous neighbor who lavishes gifts on his family. Or the impulse to snap in anger when we’re feeling overwhelmed by holiday preparations. Or long-standing resentments that become apparent during family gatherings. Or any number of other “impurities.”

No matter what it is, God longs to clear it away. So trust in his deep love for you. Imagine his joy as he anticipates the freedom, hope, and love that you can experience as the dross of sin is burned off. Just as a silversmith knows what purified silver looks like, God knows what a refined “you” will look like. In these last days before Christmas, give him permission to keep working. Let him bring you closer to that vision day after day.

“Father, I trust you. I open my heart to you and ask you to purify my thoughts and desires. Make me ready to receive Jesus this Christmas.” (Meditation on Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the connection between the late prophet Malachi, John the Baptist, and the Prophet Elijah. The Day of the Lord in Malachi will emphasize purification over punishment. Friar Jude notes that even though Zachariah doubted, he names his son John (Yahweh is merciful) in recognition of the his special mission. 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces public theologian Rachel Held Evans (1981–2019) who found inspiration in Mary’s courageous “yes” to God. Evans honors the unique role that Mary, and women everywhere, play in humanity’s physical incarnation.

I know that Christians are Easter people. We are supposed to favor the story of the resurrection, which reminds us that death is never the end of God’s story. Yet I have never found that story even half as compelling as the story of the Incarnation.

It is nearly impossible to believe: God shrinking down to the size of a zygote, implanted in the soft lining of a woman’s womb. God growing fingers and toes. God kicking and hiccupping in utero. God inching down the birth canal and entering this world covered in blood, perhaps into the steady, waiting arms of a midwife. God crying out in hunger. God reaching for his mother’s breasts. God totally relaxed, eyes closed, his chubby little arms raised over his head in a posture of complete trust. God resting in his mother’s

lap. . . .

To understand Mary’s humanity and her central role in Jesus’s story is to remind ourselves of the true miracle of the Incarnation—and that is the core Christian conviction that God is with us, plain old ordinary us. God is with us in our fears and in our pain, in our morning sickness and in our ear infections, in our refugee crises and in our endurance of Empire, in smelly barns and unimpressive backwater towns, in the labor pains of a new mother and in the cries of a tiny infant. In all these things, God is with us—and God is for us. (Rohr, 2022)

We anticipate the celebration of the Incarnation, when Father, Son, and Spirit present Emmanuel, God with us.

References

Lenz, T. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved December 23, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/122322.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1 

Malachi, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/malachi/3?1 

Meditation on Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 23, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/12/23/558982/ 

Psalms, PSALM 25. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/25?4 

Rohr, R. (2022, December 23). Mary's Wholehearted Call — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 23, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/marys-wholehearted-call-2022-12-23/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). What Then Will This Child Be? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 23, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=dec23