December 19/Third Thursday of Advent
He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. ~ Luke 1.15
Any mother who has experienced the happy athleticism of a baby in the womb – kicking, flipping, dancing, giving the occasional elbow to the ribs – and then watched that baby grow to adulthood also knows that each of her babies is born with a set of particular characteristics that are his or hers alone, that are present even before the moment of birth. It is the job of parents to nurture and cherish each of their children’s individual temperaments and gifts. As the angel who appeared to Zechariah noted, and as those of us blessed with the gift of faith believe, these wondrous inborn characteristics are God-given. As the psalmist of Psalm 139 sings, praising our divine origins: “It was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Each of us, like Samson or John the Baptist in today’s readings, is consecrated to God “from the womb.” Just as each of us has a unique fingerprint, so our individual vocation is unlike anyone else’s. It may be to teach, to heal, to care for the elderly or the poor. It may be to write, paint, compose, or dance in ways that make the soul sing. It may even be, as it was for John the Baptist, to “turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous“ (as apt a description of parenting as I know!). But wherever our particular gifts lead us, all of us are summoned to do our part to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Lord of all creation, help me respond to your call by using the gifts you have given me to your greater glory. Amen.
For today’s readings, click here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121919.cfm
