JOY

5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.



8Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.


11Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.[b] 16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

-Luke 1:5-17

I was quite tempted to go home to sleep as I was quite tired today.. I was reading my book on the bus.. until I fall asleep.. but somehow the Spirit managed to wake me up whilst on upper bt timah and eventually carried me to SJC.. where I get to see friends frm Kanetkas who are preparing for confirmation camp to be held tml-Sun. Ya.. just a hi & a bye.. coz I was "running late".. mass was starting at 6.30 & it was alrdy 6.15..

Well, the 1st question which Fr Chang asked was.. "why is it tt whenever God/ angels appear to ppl.. they always respond w/ fear?" (When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. - Luke1:12 ; Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. -Luke 1:29) Each time there's a foretold of birth of a great person, the parents would be filled w/ awe.. perhaps even doubts and certainly finds themselves unworthy.. But the angels would always assured them tt its because they'd found favour in God.

Cant imagine the joy the couples have? Imagine Zechariah & Elizabeth who had been barren till their old age, longing so much for a child but their yearning hadnt been answered for so long.. In the past context.. for couples like Zechariah & Elizabeth, not having a child somehow => God does/ has not find any favour in them, which is why their prayer for child is not answered..However, once they rec'd the news/ instruction tt they will bear a child, how happy are they! Why then, is there joy? Why are they happy? Why are they filled w/ joy? Its not only because their prayers had been answered.. but its more of the reason tt they finally know tt they'd gained God's favour & God is granting them sufficient grace & mercy.

How abt us? How do we feel when Dr announces/ congratulates us tt we are going to have a child/ grandchild of our own? We would definitely be filled w/ joy, joy tt's beyond words can say. But why are we feeling the joy? Today's context/ concept is alrdy different from what they used to have..

Although the child of God bestowed upon Mary did not really come at the right time (as she was still a virgin and has yet to get married), Mary still accepted it graciously.. How strong their faith was! To allow God to work thro them.. If its us, will we be able to do tt?

Its all meant to be joyous!
**Always Keep Him in your heart. In everything, give thanks.. for it is God's will for you in Christ Jesus..**