December 21

Go in haste to serve God

Luke 1:39-45 

The reading from the Song of Songs is way too inspiring. "I hear my Beloved.  See how he comes
leaping on the mountains, bounding over the hills. My Beloved is like a gazelle, like a young stag." (Song of Songs 2:8)  Could there be someone who's as excited and passionate to meet his lover than the Beloved?

In the Gospel, Mary went in haste to her cousin Elizabeth.  "Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 1:39)

The next four days will help us prepare to be like a gazelle or a stag, journey in haste to serve our Lord and our brothers and sisters.  Is that how we feel we go to Church activities?  What do we need to put energy into our faith and parish lives?

First, God calls

The one who calls us to service is God Himself, not the voice of evil, materialism or greed.  Only in knowing the loving God could we have enough energy and passion to come to him.

Second, we respond in love

Think of the many gifts we have received that only God alone can supply.  Is my response proportionate to the gifts He gives me, especially my very own life?

Third, we bring others to Him

Could God's grace stay only in the level of the self?  If we are truly excited to the things we have received and are still capable of receiving, all sufferings and sacrifices are nothing compared to the joy of life others are yet to experience.  This becomes our mission and goal - to lead others to know, love, adore, and serve our Lord.

May we rid ourselves of the false joys of this world and prepare for the coming of the Beloved.

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