Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily December 24, 2022, in the Octave of Christmas
Luke 1:67-79 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122422.cfm
From Blindness to Sight.
Zechariah can be a great companion in our journey with the Lord through life. He doubted his wife could bear a son in her old age. Because Zechariah couldn’t see the way of the Lord, he couldn’t see a thing in front of him. Look what happened when he surrendered to God.
Following his surrender to the Lord, his eyes were opened. He could see his surroundings and God’s amazing plans for the world. “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; reviews come to his people and set them free.” The following line is intriguing. “He HAS raised up for us a mighty Savior.”
HAS is an action verb. Our Savior, Jesus, hasn’t been born, and Zechariah spoke as though the Messiah was born. Well, that is easy to figure out. Everything changed for Zechariah when he surrendered to God. Like mother Mary, though differently, the Word of God, Jesus was born in Zechariah’s body, mind, and heart, including his eyes.
Gospel Challenge:
Zechariah went into the temple’s sanctuary, where he encountered the Lord. Go to a quiet place in your surroundings in your heart. What is God calling you to do to set you free? It will seem impossible for you but not for God.
“In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon you, to shine on you who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and guide your feet into the way of peace.” How much we all need His peace.
Pray with all your will, “Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything.” Pray this prayer ten times every morning. You can find the next day’s Gospel Reflection the evening before.
Ignite the Fire
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
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