Reflections

  Annunciation to  Mary Ephesians 1: 3-10 V 5   He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will...        This portion explains Paul’s   intricate theology on the purpose of Christ's entry into the world.  He emphasizes the fact that Christians view their citizenship in heaven, where only Jesus could change our bodies to be conformed to the majesty of His glory. He says that relationship with Christ involves justification as a gift, rather than a personal achievement.  According to Paul, our election for salvation is determined before the creation of the world, which is from God, not ours at all.  We are therefore predestined for an adoption to the heavenly family of God.           Paul speaks about the mystery of God’s will by which Christ became incarnate at the fullness of time. This mystery that has been hidden for ages is now revealed to His saints. (Colossians 1:26) This mystery is a spiritual knowledge that God has been revea

  Annunciation to Mary 1 John 3: 1-16 V1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! In today’s passage, the Apostle John talks what an amazing gift it is to be called a child of God.  We often take this for granted but it becomes overwhelming when we understand how implausible it is for us to call a Holy God father.  If this is so hard for us to grasp, how much harder will it be for others!  But we can rest assured in the hope that we will one day see God through His work of love in us. John then turns to what we see in the world, which is in opposition to God’s will.  Jesus shows us that God did not stand from afar and let sin have its way.  For God gave us a perfect gift in His only begotten son so that we, as unworthy as we are, may be called children of God.  We have confidence that sin was conquered through Christ’s love.  As we look into this world and its brokenness, let us find hope and strength in the model of love God gave us

  Anunciation to Mary Zechariah  2:10-13 v13 Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”              What an amazing verse to read in this season as we wrap our minds around a time of turmoil in our nation.  Right argues with left, vitriol is leveled at friends and neighbors who were once close friends and allies.  There is confusion, chaos, dissension, and uncertainty amidst a national pandemic.  But Zechariah takes us back to a time, a time when Israel too had the same feeling.  They were rife with the turmoil of just being subjugated by Babylon and all of the uncertainties of that time.  But what does the Lord offer?  He says “I am coming, and I will live among you.”  He doesn’t say shout and be angry – rather he exhorts the reader by saying – “shout and be GLAD!”  Imagine that.  Now this requires faith and an imaginative mind on the part of the reader.  Zechariah’s words were the product of messianic grandeur where his mind was tak

  Annunciation to Virgin Mary St. Luke 1:26-38 v38“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” The first Christmas season was a time when the impossible was made possible. Angel appearing to Mary, Elizabeth (old and barren) bearing a child, and a virgin giving birth are some of them. The positive response of people to the will of God paved way for the miracles in life. The response of Mary to the plan of God resulted into unfolding of the great salvific event. Her Faith in God:  Mary’s faith resembled that of Abraham. She completely relied on the promise of God and obeyed to fulfill the mission that God entrusted her. God trusts us with his mission to be fulfilled in our life. Faith is submitting to the trustfulness of God. Mary’s faith is also evident during the Wedding at Cana (John 2) when she tells the servants to follow the orders of Jesus. Her Humility:  Though being mother of The Lord was a privilege, she humbled herself and replied “Here am I, t

  You are Capable Judges 13: 1-7   v5“You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines”  Judges to many is seen as a book of heroes, therefore speaking of Samson’s story within is no surprise. The judges were leaders of God to guide and mature the Israelites during a time where they didn’t have much of an identity. The judges here were characters of Faith, though the Israelites necessarily were not. We see time and time again throughout scripture, an Angel or a vision appearing to someone, bringing them good news. Here we see Manoah’s wife, who comes from a line of barren women have a similar experience.   The messenger of the Lord appears to her, and the promise of a son is given. Manoah’s wife understood the provisions given by the Angel, she was in awe of what had occurred. This son we know is soon to be

  The call of wisdom Proverbs 8:1-8 V1 Does not wisdom call…?   The late Miles Kington, a British journalist said, “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.” That remark highlights the striking difference between knowledge and wisdom. The book of proverbs is classified as wisdom literature in the Bible. The passage in consideration presents a personified wisdom which calls out to people, so that they move from being simpletons with just knowledge to be people of wisdom.   In Proverbs, God is seen as the source of wisdom; fear of the Lord is seen as the beginning of wisdom. So, it follows that being open to know and follow God’s will in everything is the wisest decision in life. Knowing God’s will is not the toughest part. The toughest part is submitting our will to God’s will. Often, we are so caught up with our own comforts, own needs and our own ego that WE matter over everything – even God. Often, we think that it is wise to remain in