Word to the Wise
Wednesday, December 19, 2018 - December 19
[Judg 13:2-7, 24-25a and Luke 1:5-25]There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had borne no children. An angel of the Lordd appeared to the woman and said to her, "Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean." [Judges] "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink....." [Luke]
Unexpected pregnancy is one of God's ways of breaking into human history! I am acquainted with a number of couples who struggled with "barrenness" and then experienced the joy of having all their prayers answered in this way. Manoah's wife (we never learn her name), Elizabeth, and Hannah [1 Samuel 1] are examples. They are in many ways, "Advent women!" [The angel in Judges seems to know something about pre-natal care as well.] In terms of the Church's telling the story of Jesus' conception and birth, they are leading us toward the unexpected pregnancy of Mary and Joseph.
On a broader level, the image of barrenness can afflict many in this season in different ways. The joy of the season has to work hard to provide some kind of relief for those who are suffering from loss and lack! Bringing hope and joy into that barrenness requires sensitive and caring people of faith. But these efforts can result in a love beyond telling. Can we be one of those people of faith who bring unexpected hope, joy and love to someone? Unexpected pregnancy for someone barren is a dramatic way of "putting skin on love." Our kindness and caring can do the same. AMEN