December 18th, 2023
Mrs. Rieves, History Teacher
Readings: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Lk 1:5-25
“Your prayers have been heard.” In today’s Gospel we learn that God continues to do the impossible. In the gospel God showed Zachariah that even though Elizabeth was barren and old, their prayer for a child was heard and in God’s timing it happened. What we can take from today’s reading are great lessons to weather life’s day to day challenges. One, continue to pray and persevere. God does not promise us a life without a storm or two. What God does promise us, is that we will be given tools along the way to weather the storm, because as we all know it can’t rain for forever. Eventually the storm will pass. Secondly, God showed Zachariah and showed us that nothing is impossible. Keep praying, keep believing, keep dreaming. When the chips are down and even when it may seem like all hope may be lost, God will provide a way. Elizabeth, in her old age, was able to have a child. She continued to remain faithful and kept praying. Elizabeth and Zachariah show us that when we continue to persevere in prayer, we are strengthened and ready for the blessings that will flow. Elizabeth gave thanks when her blessing of a Child finally did come. We also need to remember that in times of trial or triumph we also need to continue to give thanks for the blessings we currently have. So, continue to pray, continue to persevere, continue to believe that nothing is impossible with God, and when the blessings do arrive continue to give thanks.