Fr. Gerald Musa Homily for Friday of the 4th Week of Advent
Theme: Holy Covenant
By: Fr. Gerald M. Musa
Homily for Friday December 24 2021
Remembered Some of the best songs in history were composed by people who have gone through very difficult times in life. For example, the songs of Miriam Makeba (Mama Africa) inspired hope among South Africans and across the world during the dark days of Apartheid. Miriam had a difficult life journey and lived in exile most part of her life. Many centuries before Miriam Makeba, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist composed one of the most inspiring religious songs of all time, known as the Benedictus. Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were stigmatised for not having a child. Decades after their marriage, at an advanced age in life, God blessed them with a child. Zechariah was so elated that he sang about the mercy of God. His song traces the salvation of the people of Israel and how God fulfilled the mercy he promised to the forefathers and remembered his holy covenant (Luke 1:72). The name Zechariah means someone who is remembered by God. It is therefore not surprising that the song emphasises God’s remembrance. God remembered the promise or agreement he made to Zechariah about having a son in his old age. On his own part, Zechariah remembered God’s goodness and kindness which made him sing the song of praise to God. We should never forget that God remembers His promises to us for a thousand generations (Psalm 105:8). Do we remember to sing songs of praise for what God has done in our life?
Luke 1:67 -79; Friday, 4th Week of Advent