HOMILY FOR 3RD FRIDAY OF ADVENT — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: A MIRACLE IN THE EMPTY SPACES
BY: Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
Judg 13:2-7, 24-25; Psalm 70(71):3-6, 16-17; Luke 1:5-25
Today’s readings tell two very similar stories. In the first, an angel promises a son (Samson) to a woman who could not have children. In the second, the Angel Gabriel promises a son (John the Baptist) to Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were very old and had lost hope of having a family.
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Here are three simple lessons for us today:
1. God Loves the “Impossible”
Both stories start with “barrenness”—a word for emptiness or feeling like nothing is growing. We all have “barren” areas in our lives. Maybe it is a habit we can’t break, a relationship that feels dead, or a heart that feels cold.
Today’s message is simple:
God does His best work when we think it’s too late. He uses empty spaces to show us His power. If you feel like you have nothing to offer God, you are in the perfect position for a miracle.
2. The Power of Silence
When the angel told Zechariah the good news, Zechariah doubted. He complained that he and his wife were too old. Because he used his words to doubt God, he was made silent until the baby was born.
Sometimes, we talk too much. We complain, we worry out loud, and we give reasons why things won’t work. God put Zechariah in “time-out” so he could stop talking and start listening. This Advent, try to find a little bit of quiet. In the silence, we stop focusing on our problems and start focusing on God’s promises.
3. Being “Set Apart”
Both Samson and John the Baptist were told to live differently. They weren’t supposed to drink wine or live like everyone else. They were “set apart” for a special job.
As we get closer to Christmas, the world is very busy and loud.
We are called to be a little different. We can be “set apart” by:
• Being extra patient in long lines.
• Choosing prayer over scrolling on our phones.
• Trusting God even when things look difficult.
The Bottom Line:
God is preparing something new in you. Even if you feel “empty” or “too old” or “not ready,” God is able to bring life out of nothing.
Reflection Questions for Today:
• In what area of my life have I given up hope because it seems “too late” or “impossible”?
• Can I sit in ten minutes of intentional silence today to let God speak louder than my doubts?
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” — Luke 1:37