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Advent Weekday
Jeremiah 13:2-7, 24-25A
Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19
Matthew 1:18-25
Summary
Today?s readings show God?s miracles with two childless women,
who eventually become the mothers of Samson and John the Baptist.
Reflection
The holiday season is a very joyful time and we are about to celebrate
the birth of Jesus. There will be a baby laid in the manger and Alle-
luia will be sounded! Yet today?s readings share with us the story of
Samson?s mother and, Elizabeth, John the Baptist?s mom. As hard
as we think it is to struggle with infertility in the 21
st
century, I cannot
imagine what it would?ve been like during biblical time. In Biblical
times, a woman was judged first by her chastity and then, after mar-
riage, by her fertility. From the day after we were married at Holy
Family Church, we have been asked by friends, family members,
priests, the cashier at the grocery store, etc. on when we were going
to start a family. While this is a seemingly innocuous question, it can
be very painful to the one who is answering.
I am sure Samson?s mother and Elizabeth struggled with similar
questions and judgment, not knowing their infertility was temporary or
permanent. God has a plan for all of us,
but as Zachariah also learned in the
Gospel, sometimes it?s best not to ask
questions, or second-guess.
