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Advent Weekday
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16
Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 & 29
Luke 1:67-79
Summary
The three readings have a common theme of God?s covenant, not just to David
in his reign but the promise of a scion of David?s lineage who will be a Son to the
Lord and the Lord as his Father. This is about anticipation and fulfillment in the
birth of Jesus celebrated tomorrow as well as in his life of miracles and parables,
crucifixion and resurrection ? his ultimate sacrifice for us.
Reflection
I would not have wanted to be Nathan, the prophet, when the Lord gave him a
message for King David that was long (I guess prophets had to have a good
memory), largely sarcastic, then easing up with words of hope. What had David
done to deserve this? All he wondered was whether he should build something
better than a tent to house the Ark of the Covenant. God scoffs at David?s pre-
sumptuousness ? 'Should you build me a house to dwell in?¯ He reminds David
? saying 'I did such and such¯ and 'I will do this and that¯ while using the per-
sonal pronoun 'I¯ eleven times! It is both a humility lesson and a promise that his
Kingdom (read God?s Kingdom) will 'stand firm forever.¯
He also promises to give David rest from his enemies. Who and what are our
enemies? What would we give to hear God say that to us? An 'enemy¯ can be
anyone or anything that prevents us from loving ? ourselves, others and God.
Who or what brings out the worst in us? What values do our lives illustrate and
are we good role models for our children and family? Remember the comic strip
Pogo
and the wisdom of
I have met the enemy and it is us.
In the Gospel reading we have poor Zachariah
who had nine months to learn a simple lesson: do
not think like a mere mortal and question how
God can do what he promises. Nine months is a
long time to be unable to speak in your own
house with a pregnant wife and his wife Elizabeth
