Word to the Wise
Saturday, December 24, 2022 - December 24
[2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 and Luke 1:67-79]The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a shouse for you. And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his KIngdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever. [2 Samuel] "In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." [Luke]
The promises of God are celebrated in the Canticle of Zechariah which comprises the gospel scripture for Mass during the Day on Christmas Eve. For the past few days, the name of David appeared often in the scriptures assigned for Mass. Today, the reason for those appearances is made clear. God spoke to David through the prophet Nathan. That promise would underlie much of the expectations of a Messiah. Zechariah points to the role his son, John the Baptist, would play in announcing the fulfillment of the promise: You, my child, shall be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. These words are followed by words of fulfillment, quoted above: In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us....
God cared and cares. God's promises were made and kept and continue to be made and kept. God's tender compassion will be celebrated especially beginning this evening and all day tomorrow and always in our hearts and actions. AMEN