Day 23

Day 23
Monday, December 20

“The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. Hew ill be called God’s Son. Look, even in her old age, your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son. This woman who was tabled unable to conceive is now six months pregnant. Nothing is impossible for God.’”

Luke 1:35-37

Reflection
The angel Gabriel announces two impossibilities: a virgin will give birth, and an elderly, barren woman is pregnant. In effect, he concludes with a third: the impossible is not impossible. Have you ever prayed from something that is impossible? Or have you avoided that prayer because probably, nature, or time make it contrary to reason? Believing that God is not limited by these things makes the impossible possible.

We should not presume, however, that faith will always grant our desires. The apostle Paul petitioned God three times, and was refused. God may decline our request if it is not beneficial or edifying, just like I may deny my child’s request if I think it is unwise or unsafe. After Paul’s prayers, he learned more about himself and God. So whether praying for impossible or ordinary things, the more we pray, the more our relationship grows, just like the more my child and I talk, the closer we become.

Prayer
Father, strengthen our faith so that we can move mountains, but also grant us peace when you say not all mountains should be moved. May we remember you and draw near to you, so you will draw near to us.

Reflection by Dan Rataj