December 19 2017 - Deliverance from spiritual barrenness

In our readings we see a parallel between the birth of Samson, which began the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines, and the birth of St. John the Baptist, which began the deliverance of all of mankind.

Both Samson and John were consecrated to God from the womb, neither was to drink strong drink, or cut their hair, which is why you often see depictions of John the Baptist out in the wilderness with a long-scraggly mane. Both Samson and John’s mothers suffered from barrenness, an inability to conceive, until the intervention of God.

Samson died because of his mission.  John the Baptist died because of his mission.

Why does the Church give us this pair of stories to reflect upon on this late advent day, in preparation for Christmas.

For one, I think, it helps us to trust that God can and does bring about tremendous fruitfulness in what appears to be barren situations. Both Elizabeth and Samson’s mother,  were barren for decades.

Where there is spiritual barrenness in our world and even in our hearts, at times, God is at work to bring about fruitfulness. Our job is to trust God’s promises, like Elizabeth and Samson's mother.

Secondly, we see God breaking into human lives to begin to deliver his people. God does not drop salvation impersonally out of the sky. His deliverance occurs through the conception of children, in this case Samson and John the Baptizer  These baby boys prepare the way for the birth of another Baby, Jesus.

God sends salvation in incarnate, human packages. So we need to be attentive to the people God has placed in our lives, to help us along the way of holiness, and to recognize that we too are to help others be delivered from their sins, particularly through acts of charity and sharing of the truth of the Gospel.

May we continue to increase our trust in the Lord to bring life to the spiritual barrenness in our world and in our souls and to help us to be his instruments to deliver his people from their sins, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.

That God may bring the faithless to believe in His Son and increase the faith of those struggling to believe.

For all expectant mothers and for those who struggle with barrenness, that God may grant them strength and grace.

That children and young people may seek to be consecrated to the Lord in word and deed and become instruments of Christ’s Truth and Love.

That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, ward off every affliction, and strengthen all who suffer persecution for the sake of the Gospel.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.