Wednesday of the
Fourth Week of Advent (Mass in the Morning)
(II Samuel 7:1-5.18-12.14.16; Luke 1:67-79)
One would think that just after his son has been named, a father wants
to say something about his future. In today’s gospel, Zechariah does that but
only as parenthetical to the main character of his declaration. Zechariah cannot but give priority to
fulfilment of every Jewish heart – the coming of the Messiah.
Today’s reading from
II Samuel tells of Nathan’s prophecy that a descendant of David will occupy his
throne forever. This promised ruler
cannot be Solomon, who failed to keep faith with God and the people. Jews set their hopes on a future Messiah, who
will save them from their enemies.
Zachariah understands that he is coming soon although he is not his son
John. But John will have a central role
in the Savior’s arrival. He will be “the
prophet of the Most High,” who will “give his people knowledge of salvation by
the forgiveness of their sins.”
We will celebrate the
coming of the Messiah tonight at Mass. Whether
we are university presidents or sanitation workers, Jesús will present us
salvation in his offering of self. We
may accept his love and, thereby, pass it on to others. Or we may reject it to live -- somewhat
uncomfortably - in our own little egotistic world.
