Promise Fulfilled

 

"Blessed is she 

who has believed 

that the Lord would 

fulfill his promises 

to her!" 

(Luke 1:45)

Mary, the mother of Jesus, who believed in the angel's message and trusted in God's plan for her. Her example inspires us to have the same faith and trust in God's promises for our lives.

God fulfills His promises. His word is true and reliable, and we can have confidence in His faithfulness. Trusting in God's word and His plans for us brings blessings. We should cultivate a strong and unwavering faith, knowing that it brings spiritual blessings and fulfillment.

Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to strengthen our faith, trust in God's promises, and recognize the blessings that come from believing in His word. 

Blessed is she, with faith so strong, 

Believing in the Lord's sweet song. 

Promises whispered, hearts held tight, 

In trust and hope, she finds her light.

Her soul rejoices, her spirit sings, 

In the fulfillment that faith brings. 

For in her heart, a seed is sown, 

A promise kept, a love well-known.

Through trials faced and doubts that fade, 

Her steadfast trust will never trade. 

For blessed is she, who dares to believe, 

In the Lord's word, she will receive.

A joy that springs from deep within, 

A peace that comes, where doubts have been. 

Blessed is she, in faith's embrace, 

Her heart aligned with God's own grace.

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts full of faith, believing in Your promises and Your word. Just as Mary trusted in Your plan, help us to believe in Your promises for our lives.

Grant us the strength to hold onto Your word, even when doubts and fears arise. May we find joy and peace in Your faithfulness, knowing that You will fulfill all that You have spoken.

Blessed are we who believe in Your promises, for Your love and grace are ever true. Guide us in our journey of faith and help us to trust in Your perfect plan.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

MARY VISITS ELIZABETH

Luke 1:39-45

Gospel Acclamation

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. 

Gospel | Luke 1:39-45

39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 

Reflection Source

Conversation with Copilot

A Promise Fulfilled

 "But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.'" 

(Luke 1:13-15)

The angel tells Zechariah that his prayer has been heard. This reassures us that God listens to our prayers and responds in His perfect timing, even if it takes longer than we expect.

Like John the Baptist who was given a specific purpose before his birth, God has a unique plan and purpose for each of our lives, and we are called to fulfill it. His blessings often bring joy not only to us but also to those around us. Let us live a life of holiness that is dedicated to God, filled with the Holy Spirit, and committed to His ways.

Reflecting on these verses can inspire us to trust in God's timing, seek His purpose for our lives, find joy in His blessings, and live lives dedicated to Him. 

"Do not be afraid," the angel said, 

"Zechariah, your prayer is heard. 

Elizabeth will bear a son, 

A joy and delight, for everyone.

Call him John, a name so bright, 

He'll bring rejoicing, day and night. 

Great in the sight of the Lord he'll be, 

Filled with the Spirit, pure and free.

No wine or drink shall touch his lips, 

In holiness, his life equips. 

From before his birth, the Spirit's flame, 

Will guide his path, proclaim his name.

A promise fulfilled, a prayer's sweet song, 

In faith and hope, we all belong. 

Rejoice, for God's great plan is clear, 

In John's birth, His love draws near.

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, for Your promises and the fulfillment of our prayers. Just as You heard Zechariah's plea, hear our prayers and grant us Your peace.

We thank You for the joy and delight You bring, for the blessings that fill our lives. Help us to recognize Your hand in all things, and to rejoice in Your goodness and grace.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, guide us in Your ways, and help us to live lives that are pleasing to You. May we be a source of joy and blessing to others, reflecting Your love and light in all we do.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN

Luke 1:5-25

Gospel Acclamation

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

Gospel | Luke 1:5-25

5 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. 8 Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, 9 according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. 10 Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, 11 the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, 16 and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 18 Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 20 But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. 23 Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 24 After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot