Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12,14,16; psalm 89; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38
We are just a few days away from Christmas.
Our three readings of today tell the story of people who are favoured by God.
David in the first reading was highly favoured by God. He received a generational promise and blessing.
The Psalm is a song of someone who has been favoured “I will sing forever of your love, O Lord.”
The second reading is the good news of God’s favour to the pagans. They can now share in the promise of salvation.
In the Gospel, the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she has won God’s favour, she and her kinswoman- Elizabeth.
The next to win God’s favour will be you in Jesus’ name.
Favour just like grace can be described as a divine kindness and blessing or an act of true compassion on the part of God Himself towards needy and undeserving human recipients.
Though favour is inherited, the human recipient could also act in a certain way that attracts God’s favour.
Today, let’s ponder on the example of David in the first reading and see three things shown to us in Him that attracted God’s favour.
I. David remembered God not just at a time of war but also in rest.
Sometimes, people only become serious with God in affliction, in need, in danger, in poor health, in trouble, when in danger of death. When we are in peace and enjoying abundance, our relationship with God suffers recession. This is why some of us need affliction to remain steadfast in the Lord. Even in rest, abundance and peace, David’s love and passion for God weren’t compromised.
II. David wanted to do something for God.
Many times when we come before God in prayers, we are always asking the Lord to do something for us.
David taught us another approach, his concern was ” Lord, what can I do for you?” Sometimes God also wants us to be willing to do something for Him.
Mary reminds us in today’s gospel who we are, we are God’s handmaid, we must also be ready to be at God’s service. If we ask God what He wants us to do and we are genuinely willing, He will reveal to us divine assignments that He wants us to carry out for His glory and our sanctification and salvation.
III. David consulted God’s prophet:
David didn’t think and rush into action. He consulted God.
A good idea may not be God’s idea. He laid His plans before God, he consulted God’s prophet and God directed him.
God’s favour can only rest on our works if it is in accordance with God’s plans, if it is directed and approved by God.
Let us pray today that as we approach the celebration of Christmas, an event that celebrates God’s favour on all humankind, may we position ourselves where we can receive God’s favour, let us also ask the Lord to show favour to others through us.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on December 20, 2020