2024 12 22 – homily – Advent wk 4 Yr C – 930 600 mass – Mic 5 1-4 _ Ps 80 _ Heb 10 5-10 _ Lk 1 39-45 _ unexpected – humble – small
Focus: be open to the unexpected
“From a barren elderly woman John the Baptist will be born, and from a small and insignificant place our ruler shall come forth” (Magnificat December 2024 p 322).
SLIDE:
God’s plans often
not our plans
God’s plans are often not our plans, Be open to the unexpected
One of the reasons that the Jewish people did not recognize Jesus is that he was not what they expected. Many of the people expected an earthly ruler not a heavenly ruler. Many of the people expected someone to overthrow the occupying Roman army.
God’s plans are often not our plans, be open to the unexpected
Our first reading from the prophet Micah stated that Bethlehem was too small to be among the numbered clans of Judah. However, from Bethlehem would come a ruler in Israel.
A child comes from simple people, from a place that is relatively insignificant thus underscoring God’s preference for what is ordinary/humble.
God’s plans are often not our plans, be open to the unexpected
A young teenage woman is selected to be the mother of God. Let’s listen to Mary’s words to Elizabeth that immediately followed our gospel reading today my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant he has cast down the mighty from their Thrones and has lifted up the lowly. In other words, he who exalts himself will be humbled. And he who humbles himself will be exalted. The first shall be last and the last shall be first
God’s plans are often not our plans be open to the unexpected.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)
God’s plans are often not our plans be open to the unexpected.
Mary is unmarried and pregnant. Her betrothed is planning to divorce her. But what does she do. she goes to help her elderly kinswoman despite her own pregnancy.
God’s plans are often not our plans be open to the unexpected.
God wants us to plan. However, God wants us to hold loosely to our plans. Because God’s plans are often not our plans.
We need to be good finders. Looking for miracles in unexpected places.
Some of you are struggling right now. Divorce, financial reversal, health problems, relationship issues. But difficulties and trials are an opportunity for an invasion of God’s grace. Not getting along with your spouse? Working things through will help you grow in intimacy and grow closer to your spouse. And if you’re open to new plans, God’s plans solutions will be yours.
God’s plans are often not our plans be open to the unexpected. Be ready to be surprised. Be ready to be blessed by the unexpected coming of Jesus in a backwater place, in a stable lying in a feeding trough.
Be prepared to be surprised In three days.
