God Never Fails

Wednesday, 4 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 25:6-10, Ps. 23, Matthew 15:29-37

“And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the throng wondered when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:30-31)

In Isaiah's time, the people who listened to him could only imagine what he was talking about. Nonetheless, as we see in the Gospel passage, the prophecy of Isaiah became a reality in the feeding of the multitude. Dear friends, the message for us today is very simple: Everything God has revealed in the Bible must surely come to pass. God never fails. He is Faithful. He never fails.

- Christmas, the celebration of God becoming man for our sake, is a time to remind ourselves that God is a promise-keeper. As all the prophets spoke about, so it came to pass. One beautiful song puts it this way: “The Steadfast Love of the Lord never ceaseth, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, new every morning; great is thy faithfulness, O Lord, great is thy faithfulness.”

- Today, our Responsorial Psalm describes God as a shepherd who never lets his sheep down. A shepherd who gives his sheep repose along fresh and green pastures; a shepherd who guides the sheep along the right path; a shepherd who never abandons his sheep even when they walk through the shadow of death, and a shepherd who prepares a table for the sheep even in the presence of the enemies.

- Things may appear very tough for you right now; you may have felt disappointed in God, the Church or its ministers in the past for not meeting your expectations. Nevertheless, know that God has not changed; He is still Faithful and has not failed you yet. Christmas is a reminder that God is yet to give up on humankind.

- Another song says, “God is not a man. His words will surely come to pass. He would never fail. His word will come to pass.” Whenever I am tempted to ask God, “Why is this? Why is that?” I remind myself of St. Paul’s admonition: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our faith and conviction in your word. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of the 1st week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 25:6-10, Ps. 23, Matthew 15:29-37).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu