The
readings of today presents pious couples through whom we can say that God is in
the process of preparing people for himself. From these couples we have Samson
and John the Baptist who were really dedicated to the service of God. Both of
them were consecrated to God and filled with the Holy Spirit and have brought
many people to the true worship of God.
Moreover,
in the gospel as we have heard, the angel’s appearance to Zechariah reminds the
reader of the appearance of an angel to the mother of Samson in Judges 13. She
was also barren when an angel of the Lord (Yahweh) appeared to her and told her
she would conceive and give birth to a son. This son should be dedicated to the
Lord, and even while he was in the womb his mother should drink no wine or
fermented liquor.
The
same scenario is found with Abraham where an angel of Yahweh promises that his
baren wife Sarah would bear him Isaac (Gen 18). The purpose of these stories is
not merely to relate miraculous happenings. First, it is to underline that God
furthers the history of his own people with tireless watchfulness, sending his
own Spirit on his chosen leaders. Secondly, God does not rely on human ability,
skills or achievements, but chooses the most unlikely person to his envoy and
further his purposes.
In
a special way, the readings give us the glimpse of consecrated life, the life
we are embracing now. It is a life involving living a virtuous life, purity in
holiness and the crown of the royal priesthood (cf. 2 Kings 11:12). That is why in the Old Testament context we
speak of Nazirite who is devoted to God. According to the customs of the Old
Testament, Nazirite persons vow part of their lives, or their entire lives to God
(cf. Numb 6:1-21). We need to be like Samson
who was not only consecrated for a certain period of his life, but he was
consecrated all his life. Now let us continue asking God to be with us in our
vocation journey as Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Zephrine Superius
III Year Theology
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