In both of today’s Mass readings, an emissary of God comes bearing a Word from the Almighty to one of His people.
King Ahaz, who takes over the throne after his father King Uzziah dies, is told by the Lord through the prophet Isaiah to “ask the Lord for a sign, be it in the deepest depths or the highest heights.”
This request comes to Ahaz right after he has learned that his enemies were ganging up against him. Ahaz and his people were shaken, “as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.”
Ahaz was afraid to ask for a sign. “Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid,” Isaiah instructs. But it appears that Ahaz did not want to weary God, to trouble Him unnecessarily – even though he was in crisis and could do with divine wisdom, assistance and intervention.
Fear
Our distance from God can easily make us afraid to approach Him in faith and trust. I have found that fear, often arising from my own sense of failure and accompanied by that deadly combination of guilt, shame and condemnation can make me hesitate to approach God – even at times in my life when I am desperately in need of His assistance, His guidance, and His light on my path.
It strikes me now how our lack of faith and trust wearies God – because He desires us to draw near to Him, not to run away. Our good, good Father wants us to approach Him in prayer; He wants to come and heal those wounds of our heart. He knows our failures only too well and is waiting to provide the way out, to turn our weakness into worship, our challenge into courage. Worship and courageous obedience will lead to victory. His eternal love desires to provide, protect and prosper you – His chosen one.
Humbly Ask
Is there a storm in your life that has left you shaken? Anxious? Perturbed? Perhaps even devastated? Are you in a dilemma? Let these readings encourage you to humbly ask God for a sign… of His presence, peace and power.
Our Blessed Mother in today’s Gospel responds as any young girl might, when told she would be the mother of the Most High. “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” Imagine a teenage Mary, the wheels of her mind spinning, considering the prospect of unwed motherhood and knowing the censure and almost certain death (by stoning) that she could soon face. And then, with awe, remembering a certain prophecy given to Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah. Courage, Mary! It is I!
Prophecy Fulfilled
In God’s incredible story, 700 years after Ahaz and Isaiah’s conversation, the prophesied virgin birth of the Messiah would be fulfilled in the life of this pure young woman. But our very human Mary’s fiat is accompanied by another reassuring sign from the angel – her elderly cousin Elizabeth had also conceived – in her old age – and was six months with child.
No doubt this sign was a great consolation and comfort to Mary, who now had a familiar and trustworthy family member as companion on this incredible new adventure awaiting her. God provides for godly companions on our journey, so we can share our trials and triumphs!
As Christmas quickly approaches, we have every reason to anticipate our loving Savior’s birth and His impending return as conquering King with joy, peace and hope in our hearts.
