Wonder and Promise

 

"Everyone who heard this

wondered about it, asking,

'What then is this child 

going to be?' 

For the Lord's hand 

was with him." 

(Luke 1:66)

God's plans for each person are unique and significant. His presence and guidance are with us throughout our lives, shaping our paths and purposes. Let us seek and fulfill the unique calling that God has placed on our lives.

The people who heard about John the Baptist's birth were filled with wonder and curiosity about his future. This teaches us to approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity. The community's interest in John's future highlights the importance of support and encouragement from those around us. It reminds us to nurture and support each other's growth and potential.

Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to embrace wonder and curiosity, trust in God's guidance, seek our unique purpose, and support one another in our journeys.

Everyone who heard did wonder, 

"What will this child be?" they ponder. 

For the Lord's hand was with him, 

A future bright, not dim.

In the quiet of the night, 

A promise born, a guiding light. 

With God's hand upon his life, 

He'd rise above all strife.

A child of wonder, hope, and grace, 

Destined to run a faithful race. 

For in his heart, the Spirit's flame, 

Would guide his steps, proclaim his name.

So let us marvel at God's plan, 

In every child, in every man. 

For with His hand, our paths are clear, 

In faith and love, we persevere.

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts full of wonder, asking for Your guidance and purpose in our lives. Just as the people wondered about John, we seek to understand Your plans for us.

Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your hand in our lives, and the courage to follow the path You have set before us. Help us to trust in Your guidance, knowing that Your plans are perfect and true.

May we fulfill the potential and purpose You have given us and bring glory to Your name in all that we do. Guide us with Your loving hand and help us to be a light to those around us.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE BIRTH OF JOHN

Luke 1:57-66

Gospel Acclamation

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Gospel | Luke 1:57-66

57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariahafter his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately, his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

The Hand of the Lord was with him

"All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, 

'What, then, will this child be?'

For surely the hand of the Lord was with him."

(Luke 1:66)

God is in control of everything that happens under the sun, and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Our faith and destiny is in God's hands. He is our hope and our salvation, our joy and our satisfaction, our God and our King.

We don't know what the future holds but we know who holds it in His hands. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. We don't know how our lives will unfold but we know who has a purpose and a plan. He is the Creator and the Sustainer, the Author and the Finisher. We don't know when our trials will end but we know who will see us through them. He is the Refuge and the Strength, the Comforter and the Friend. We don't know how our stories will blend but we know who will make them beautiful. He is the Potter and the Painter, the Weaver and the Composer

One of the benefits of having faith and destiny in God’s hands is that we can have peace and joy in any situation, knowing that God is with us and for us. We can also have hope and courage to face the challenges and opportunities that come our way, knowing that God will guide us and provide for us. We can also have gratitude and praise for all that God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives, knowing that He is faithful and good.

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately, his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. (Luke 1:57-66)

The time of purification is here, to cleanse our hearts and minds, to repent and forsake our sins, to seek God's grace and mercy. The time of purification is now, to humble ourselves and pray, to confess and forgive, to restore our relationship with God. The time of purification is near, to prepare for His coming, to rejoice and worship, to celebrate His love and glory.

Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord, as in days of old, as in years gone by. Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with doom. (Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24)

The ways and paths of the Lord are good that leads us to His perfect will, teaches us to obey His word, and shows us how to love and serve. The ways and paths of the Lord are true, revealing His character and nature, guiding us to His promises and plans, and inspiring us to trust and praise. The ways and paths of the Lord are right, they correct us when we go astray, they protect us from the enemy's snares, they empower us to do His works.

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. (Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14)

Lord, Your hand is mighty and strong, holding the entire universe in Your palm. Your hand is gentle and kind, touching the broken with Your grace, lifting up the humble and heals, and guiding the lost and leads. Our faith and destiny is at the palm of Your hands. Let Your hand be upon us O Lord. We need You, Lord, we need You now. We cry out to You, we bow down, we ask You, Lord, to purify us. We trust in You and we follow You now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE BIRTH OF JOHN

Luke 1:57-66

The Book of Malachi

THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT

Malachi 3:1-24

First Book of Psalms 1-41

CONFIDENT PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS AND GUIDANCE

Psalm 25:1-22

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Published:

December 23, 2023, 8:21 AM

Bear Fruit in Every Good Work

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord 

so as to be fully pleasing in every good work, 

bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God. 

COLOSSIANS 1:10

You are regarded as a servant of Christ and steward of the mysteries of God (1 Cor 4:1). Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy (1 Cor 4:2). 

Jesus said, "To to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (Mt 25:29)

The Lord entrusted you with His possesions according to your ability (Mt 25:14-15). Be faithful in small matters and He will give you great responsibilities. Do it well and you shall share His joy (Mt 25:21,23). Put His money in the bank so that He can have it back with interest on His return (Mt 25:27).

Every good work comes from the Lord alone. Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth (1 Cor 3:6). He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor. For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building (1 Cor 3:8-9).

Pray and ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding, strengthened with every power, in accord with His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy (Col 1:9,11). Progress even more to aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your own hands (1 Thes 4:10-11).

The Lord has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for Him, His holy arm (Ps 98:1). Trust in the Lord and do good, that you may dwell in the land and enjoy security (Ps 37:3). Give thanks to the Father who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light (Col 1:12).

Published:

September 02, 2023, 8:38 AM

Work so as Not to Burden Anyone

You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery. 

Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, 

we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God. 

1 THESSALONIANS 2:9

The Lord's hand shall guide you, and His right hand hold you fast (Ps 139:10). You received not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe (1Thes 2:13). 

Jesus said: “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property." (Mt 24:45-47)

God is faithful, and by Him you were called to fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor 1:9). In Him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:5-7). 

Everywhere you go, God is already there. His presence is from where you are now to where you are going (Ps 139:8). He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:8). For this reason, give thanks to God unceasingly, and walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into his Kingdom and glory (1Thes 2:12). 

Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable (Ps 145:3). Hope in the Lord your God who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them (Ps 146:5-6). The Lord shall reign forever; your God through all generations. Alleluia. (Ps 146:10) 

Lord, every day will I bless You; and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Generation after generation praises Your works and proclaims your might. They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty and tell of Your wondrous works. They discourse of the power of Your terrible deeds and declare Your greatness. They publish the fame of Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your justice. (Psalm 145:2, 4-7)

Published:

August 25, 2023, 8:35 AM

Abundance for Every Good Work

Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, 

so that in all things, always having all you need, 

you may have an abundance for every good work. 

(2 Corinthians 9:8)

God delights in cheerful, willing hearts. Giving should come from a place of joy and gratitude. Our attitude matters and our actions have consequences. When we give generously—whether financially, emotionally, or spiritually—we can expect blessings in return. God provides both seed (resources) and bread (daily needs). Our giving multiplies our impact and leads to spiritual growth. Let us trust God’s provision. He blesses us abundantly so that we can bless others. Our generosity aligns with His grace.

Generosity’s Grace

In cheerful hearts, a seed takes root, 

A joyous offering, a willing pursuit. 

From gratitude’s wellspring, we pour, 

Our actions echoing forevermore.

God delights in our open hands, 

Not just in gold, but in love’s strands. 

For when we give, our spirits bloom, 

And blessings flow, dispelling gloom.

Seed and bread, His provision vast, 

He multiplies our gifts, unsurpassed. 

In the dance of grace, our souls entwine, 

Generosity’s rhythm, divine and fine.

So trust His heart, His love unswayed, 

For every act of kindness, He has weighed. 

Abundant blessings, like morning dew, 

Await those who give, their hearts renewed.

May our lives echo this sacred refrain, 

As we bless others, free from earthly chain. 

God’s grace, our compass, forever true, 

In cheerful hearts, His love shines through.

A Prayer of Generosity

Gracious Father,

We come before You with hearts open wide, Cheerful and willing, in Your love we confide. May our giving be a symphony of joy, A melody that echoes eternity’s employ.

From the wellspring of gratitude, we pour, Not just our treasures, but our spirits soar. In the currency of kindness, we invest, Knowing that Your grace multiplies our best.

Seed and bread, both gifts from Your hand, You provide abundantly, as only You can. Our daily needs met, our souls sustained, In the dance of provision, Your love unrestrained.

Teach us to trust, to release our grip, For You are the Giver, and we are equipped. As we bless others, may our hearts align, With the rhythm of grace, divine and fine.

May our generosity ripple through time, A legacy of love, a symphony sublime. Bless us, Lord, that we may bless anew, Our hands open wide, reflecting You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen. 

Pericope:

III: Collection for Jerusalem

GOD'S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT

2 Corinthians 9:1-15

First Reading | 2 Corinthians 9:6-10

6 Brothers and sisters: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. 10 The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Background:

This passage addresses the topic of giving and generosity among the Corinthian Christians. Here are some key points:

Context and Purpose: The church in Corinth faced challenges, including divisions and quarrels. Paul had previously written a lost letter to address immorality and had also confronted divisions among them. In 2 Corinthians, Paul continues to encourage the Corinthian believers to be ready to give. He emphasizes the importance of cheerful, generous giving.

Ministering to the Saints: Paul refers to the financial support of the Jerusalem saints. The Corinthian Christians were willing to contribute to this collection, which Paul had previously mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8 and other passages. The ancient Greek word for “ministering” (diakonia) is used both in a practical sense (like relief in Acts 11:29) and in a spiritual sense (as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:8-9 and 2 Corinthians 9:1).

Paul’s Sarcasm and Encouragement: Paul playfully boasts to the Macedonians about the Corinthian willingness to give. He uses phrases like “superfluous for me to write” and “your zeal has stirred up the majority” to emphasize their readiness. His goal is to encourage them further in their giving, highlighting their example to others.

Regions Mentioned: Macedonia (to the north) and Achaia (to the south) were regions on the Greek peninsula. Corinth was the leading city of Achaia. The Macedonian churches (e.g., Philippi, Berea, Thessalonica) were known for their sacrificial giving, as Paul had previously described in 2 Corinthians 8:1-8.

In summary, 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 encourages cheerful, purposeful giving and highlights the Corinthian Christians’ willingness to support their fellow believers in Jerusalem. Their generosity serves as an example for others. 

Learning Lessons:

This passage encourages us to embrace generosity and purposeful giving. 

Sowing and Reaping: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) Our actions have consequences. When we give generously—whether financially, emotionally, or spiritually—we can expect blessings in return.

Cheerful Giving: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Our attitude matters. God delights in cheerful, willing hearts. Giving should come from a place of joy and gratitude.

Abundance and Provision: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) Trust God’s provision. He blesses us abundantly so that we can bless others. Our generosity aligns with His grace.

Purposeful Generosity: “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:10) God provides both seed (resources) and bread (daily needs). Our giving multiplies our impact and leads to spiritual growth.

In summary, 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 teaches us about joyful, purposeful giving, trusting God’s provision, and reaping blessings. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Have An Abundance for Every Good Work

God is able to make every grace abundant for you,

 so that in all things, always having all you need, 

you may have an abundance for every good work. 

 2 Corinthians 9:8

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit" (Jn 12:24).  

The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness (2 Cor 9:10). Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Cor 9:6). 

Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory  (Ps 112:9). Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. As it is written: He scatters abroad, He gives to the poor; His righteousness endures forever. (2 Cor 9:7,9) 

Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice, he shall never be moved; the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance. An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes.  (Ps 112:5-8) 

Blessed the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. (Ps 112:1-2)

You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock are spread over the land (Job 1:10).

Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21)

Published:

August 10, 2023, 6:49 AM

September 26, 2016, 6:47 AM

August 10, 2016, 4:59 AM

Stretch Out Your Hand

 Jesus stretched out His hand toward his disciples and said, 

“Here are my mother and my brothers" 

MATTHEW 12 : 48

Stretch means to extend or expand, reach out, draw up, cause to reach or continue. (Merriam-Webster). In this reading, Jesus extends His hand to emphasize that all who are with Him is His family.

"Stretch out His hand" is a phrase that can be used in different contexts. It can mean to reach something out to someone or something1. In a biblical context, it can refer to a story in which Jesus heals a man with a withered hand. Jesus tells the man to "Stretch out your hand," and the man's hand is restored. (Idioms - Free Dictionary)

At the start of story of Job, there is a recurring phrase - ‘stretch out your hand and touch’ (Job 1:11, 2:5). The accuser is demanding this of the Lord. What is the meaning of the two parts (stretch out your hand [and] touch.) in this Hebraic phrase? This seems to be a Hebraic idiom. Here, the accuser is asking the Lord to do something. But, what?

The expression which is translated "can't afford" or "too poor" is literally "your hand can't reach". When your hand can't reach something, or something is outside your grasp, then it is impossible for you to accomplish. But God is omnipotent, and His hand can reach everywhere, and this is often used when visiting destruction: "And the Egyptians will know that I am Yahweh when I stretch out my hand over Egypt and bring the Israelites out from their midst (Ex 7.5). And I will stretch out my hand against them, and I will make the land a desolation and a wasteland from the desert to Riblah in all of their dwellings, and they will know that I am Yahweh (Eze 6.14). And their houses will be turned over to others, their fields and their wives together. For I will stretch out my hand against the inhabitants of the land,” declares Yahweh (Jer 6.12).

It's really important to understand that when you are talking about word pictures and imagery, it is a great error to assume that each word picture is limited to a single root or lemma. When there is a metaphor that something in the reach of your hand is within your power, then it does not matter if you are reaching, grabbing, stretching, swooping, with your hand. All of these are examples of this hand-reaching metaphor. (Biblical Hermeneutics)

Published:

July 20, 2023, 8:31 AM