I have been reflecting on the Gospel Readings from the Daily Office, Year One Readings, as posted at www.missionstclare.com

Today’s Gospel Reading is Luke 1:39-48 and the verse that stood out to me is this:

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord. (Luke 1:45)

Some say Christianity is based on false hope, saying there were so many promises and so little fruition. I wonder if they’ve ever studied the Bible to look for promises that were fulfilled. It often seems that you find what you are looking for and it’s easy for our minds and hearts o become clouded by doubts. But if you’re paying attention to stories about faith in God and God’s hope for creation then you’ll find stories of kept promises and good news. There are many promises made in this world that are broken. Broken promises often lead to broken relationships. We see this in our personal lives, business relationships and world relationships.

You may be familiar with the phrase ‘What doesn’t break you will make you.’ The implication is that struggles have the ability to make us stronger. Stories about Jesus’ life and especially the temptation he overcame in the wilderness have much to teach us about people filled with the strength of God’s love for humankind. What we realize is that a love for God and self can help us become stronger in regards to overcoming temptation and loving other people. We learn that God’s plans will always be better than ours. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

The stories of Joseph and Job in the Old Testament come to mind. The story of Mary and Elizabeth in the New Testament and the story of The Prodigal Son and His Father also come to mind. God can heal broken relationships. The wise seek God’s will before making a permanent break away from people God is drawing together. Jesus’ preaching began with the words, “Repent and believe in the good news!” (Mark 1:15) In the world, there is a belief in the power of positive thinking, in the church there is a belief in the power of the Good News of God’s love for the whole world.

Let us pray;

Lord God, Thank you for fulfilling all your promises. Thank you for the gift of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for putting flesh on your Spirit and Love so there would be a living example of the fulfillment of your promises and your love on earth. Help us to love you, ourselves and one another as you do and as you desire we do, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Help us to rejoice in the knowledge of your love and share it with other people in ways that will draw them into a loving relationship with you. AMEN