IN SEARCH OF A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
“When the men came to the Lord, they said,
“John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask,
‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’” - Luke 7:20
Growing up in the Philippines, I looked forward to December 16 because today marks the start of what Filipinos call the Simbang Gabi (means “Dawn Masses”).
Living a few houses down from my childhood church, I woke up before 4 in the morning, rinsed my face and rushed as quickly as I can to get changed as an altar server in the mass. The atmosphere during this time was always magical: the excitement from the churchgoers was palpable, the music arrangement was extra special, Christmas lights and parols were hung around the church little by little every single day, not to mention the smell of breakfast wafting between the pews for those who manage to stay awake.
The novena goes on until the morning of Christmas Eve. If you managed to complete all 9 days, I was told as a child that any wish I make will be granted. To be honest, this was probably the closest I’ve come to believing a Christmas miracle happening ever in my life.
Nowadays, I have to give people the benefit of the doubt if they hardly believe in miracles. Millions are surely waiting for the day when COVID vaccines become widely available. Others are probably more concerned with looking for the source of their next paycheck. Some might be waiting for a visit from friends or family living in another state or country thousands of miles away. Everyone is looking for something that will give hope and at this moment, we all need it in one form or another.
In today’s Gospel, two of John the Baptist’s disciples went to Jesus with a skeptical tone if he was indeed the One who is promised to come. But it wasn’t until they saw him perform the daily miracles that their hearts were changed.
During this Advent season, let’s keep our eyes and ears open for the miracles that happen around us no matter how hopeless things may be. Even with the temptation that there might still be someone or something else more important to come, let’s focus on the present and open our eyes to how God moves in our lives every single day. In our quest to look for “the one who is to come,” let’s open our hearts to God’s presence who has been with us from the very beginning, in joy and even in suffering.
Father, help us to find you in every person and encounter every single day. Allow us to be open to how your Spirit moves in us and around us.
Alfred Dicioco
Photo by Ike Jamilla