By Thamajoy Reang csc –
Readings: Mal 3:1 – 4; 4:5 – 6; Lk 1:57 – 66
“Unfortunately, there seems to be far more opportunity out there than ability…. We should remember that good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation” – Thomas A. Edison
Today, the first reading speaks about the second coming of Prophet Elijah before the day of the coming of the Lord. Through the readings of today, I am reminded that the promise or the plan of God never goes in vain for his people.
God always keeps his promises or plans for his people and fulfils them in one way or the other at the right time. God promised, through Prophet Malachi, to send Prophet Elijah again as a forerunner for his only begotten son to the earth. This was fulfilled through Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth in the gospel. They had been praying unceasingly to receive a child with complete hope and trust in God. God listened to their prayers and at the same time fulfilled the promise he made through Malachi.
However, when God sent his messenger to Zachariah with the good news, he was unprepared to receive it for which he had to pay a price. Today, reflecting on the readings, God is inviting me to be prepared for the newborn king of the world in my life.
God tells me not to be surprised and be muted like Zachariah when the time comes for me to receive Christ, the King of my life which I would be receiving. Therefore, today I ask God through the intercession of St. John the Baptist to inspire and grant me the strength to be strong in faith so that I may prepare myself for welcoming the new-born child in my life.