Wednesday 16th December – Wednesday of the 3rd week of Advent

Reflection: Luke 7: 19-23

KEEP UP YOUR FAITH

“…happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.”

A Jew is baptised and becomes a Christian refers to himself as a “fulfilled Jew”. This stems from the knowledge that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah, whose coming was proclaimed by the prophets. Though the Jews received the promise of redemption, most of them unfortunately did not recognise the Messiah when He came and until this day, still await the salvation God promised in Jesus.

Is there something we can learn from this? While the Jews expected a political Saviour who would free them from their Roman oppressors, Jesus came, preaching the good news and a friend of the poor and sinners. They could not reconcile Jesus with the expectations in their minds and even John the Baptist the very one who prepared the way for Christ became confused and unsure of himself at some point.

Beloved, are there ways in which God is working in our lives but we are blinded from recognising Him because our own expectations are not being met? Is God revealing Himself to you in the most unexpected way? Today, ask the Lord to clear all your doubts like Jesus did for John the Baptist. Ask Him to open your eyes so you may recognise His hand at work in your life and circumstances even in ways you do not expect. Jesus pronounces a blessing on you if you do not lose faith in Him. Hold on to your faith beloved, God is ever faithful to His promises.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to be open and receptive to the various ways you decide to work through me. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 73 – Why is Jesus called “Christ”?

The brief formula “Jesus is the Christ” expresses the core of the Christian faith: Jesus, the simple carpenter’s son from Nazareth, is the long-awaited Messiah and Saviour. Both the Greek word “Christos” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” mean “the Anointed One”. In Israel kings, priests, and prophets were anointed. The apostles learned that Jesus was anointed “with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 10:38). We are called Christians after Christ, as an expression of our exalted vocation

HIDE A TREASURE: “How happy are those who have no doubts about me.” Luke 7:23 GNB

Today’s Readings: Isaiah 45: 6-8 18, 21-25; Psalm 85: 9-14; Lk 7: 19-23