We have been hearing passages from the first Chapter of Luke this last week of Advent. Today, the day before our Christmas Eve mass, it seems very appropriate that we hear about the birth of John the Baptist, since John’s life and Jesus’ life were so intrinsically linked. Before John was born, an Angel appeared to his father, Zechariah, telling him that his wife Elizabeth would bear a child, that this child would be a great prophet to appear in Ancient Israel, that this child would prepare the way for the Messiah. Zechariah was a priest in the line of Aaron, a very learned, intelligent, and honorable man. Yet, his response to God’s messenger was to laugh, to believe that it was impossible, for his wife was of advanced age and had been barren for years. How could this be? Zechariah did not think that God’s covenant and promises to Abraham and his descendants could be fulfilled in this way. We are called to open our hearts to the impossible and the unimaginable, for everything is possible and imaginable with God. Most of you know that I a huge Chicago Cubs fan. Since we had not won the World Series in more than 100 years, I knew of some Cubs fans who wore T-shirts that had the Cubs logo on it that said: “Please, Lord, just one time before I die.” Well, we all know that Cubs won in 2016 - we won in such nail-biting, dramatic fashion. I think I cried tears of joy for about 3 hours straight when we won, thinking of my mom, my grandfather, and my aunts and uncles who were deceased and who were the biggest Cubs fans ever. Yes, anything is possible. Even the Cubs winning the World Series. Certainly, anything is possible with God. Today, we remember God and his promises as we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord tomorrow at our Christmas Eve Mass
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