Church of the
Annunciation

A prophet speaks the truth with such clarity and conviction to individuals, to society and to authority that the prophetic word is heard not as his/her own but as coming from the highest aspiration of the human family and from God. The prophet proclaims both salvation and judgment. We listen to John the Baptist and more often hear judgment as he challenges his contemporaries to confess their sins, to receive a baptism of repentance that leads to the forgiveness of sins. Jesus proclaims the good news of God’s salvation and mercy but he also has words of judgment. In the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Jesus speaks of judgment on the nations when the Son of Man comes as the Great King who judges us on whether or not we extend compassion to him disguised in the poor. Pope Francis is on the cover of Time magazine as Person of the Year. He is admired by many for emphasizing God’s mercy and love. Yet there is judgment in his message on society, government and economic systems that are blind to the plight of the poor and see only profit as measure of success. Today our sanctuary is full of gifts for persons in need. Tomorrow your gifts will be distributed to agencies that assist so many who are struggling on meager income and with disabilities. In a small yet significant way we are brightening Christmas for others and coming to a deeper awareness of whom/what is most precious – dignity of the human person and God’s love for us in Jesus Christ.