A reflection on the daily readings, for Friday of the Fourth Week of Advent, by Father Perry.
+ Have you ever tried to advise a world renowned scholar on their life long study?
Or have you ever tried to direct a brain surgeon on the proper technique for brain surgery?
Or tell a universally recognized composer what two or three notes they ought to remove from their most famous and beloved symphony?
So why would King David, or Nathan the prophet, figure they should tell God what he needs or deserves, and propose they (or anyone) would build it for God?
And so it is no wonder that God should respond with the searing question: “Should you build me a house to dwell in?”
Then before King David or Nathan could respond to such a question, God begins the litany: “It was I [God] who took you from the pasture to be commander”; and “I have been with you wherever you went”; and “I destroyed all of your enemies”; and “I will make you famous“; and “I will fix a place for my people Israel”; and “He will establish a house for you”; and “I will raise up your heir[s]”; and “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever,” saith the Lord God, the Holy One!
+Zechariah, at the birth of his son John, proclaimed a similar list of the God-achievements in his Holy Spirit-filled prophecy.
After Zechariah described the many promises of God for his people, led by the Spirit of God, Zechariah spoke directly to and about his son John: “You, my child, shall be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.”
The Spirit-led prophecy foretold “knowledge of salvation,” “forgiveness of sin,” “God’s tender compassion,” “light to break through darkness,” and peace.
+ The psalmist — indeed, any wise person — would both conclude and sing out in a faith-filled voice: “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.”
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
