Homily for December 20, 2020

Promises, Promises. We fully understand the power of a promise. It has the power to fulfill, and it has the power to destroy. Promises kept fill us with faith. Promises broken can fill us with despair. Today's readings remind us that God makes promises, and God keeps promises. And the key figure in the promise, Mary, does not DO anything. She allows God to do something to her. Too often in the spiritual life we think we need to do a lot. But, like Mary, the Blessed Mother, we simply need to allow God to do what he will to make us the person he has created us to be.

Given at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, University City, Missouri

Promises, Promises. We fully understand the power of a promise. It has the power to fulfill, and it has the power to destroy. Promises kept fill us with faith. Promises broken can fill us with despair. Today’s readings remind us that God makes promises, and God keeps promises. And the key figure in the promise, Mary, does not DO anything. She allows God to do something to her. Too often in the spiritual life we think we need to do a lot. But, like Mary, the Blessed Mother, we simply need to allow God to do what he will to make us the person he has created us to be.