salvation is incarnate
"Prepare for the Lord a people well-disposed." —Luke 1:17
In today's Scripture readings, God takes the initiative to break into human lives and begin to deliver His people. His deliverance occurs through the conception of children, in this case Samson and John the Baptizer (see Jgs 13:5ff; Lk 1:13ff). These babies prepare the way for the birth of another Baby, Jesus.
God does not drop salvation impersonally out of the sky. He sends His salvation in incarnate, human packages to which we can relate and whom we can love.
God sends His salvation over time. He sends humans as forerunners to prepare the way before Him (see Lk 1:16-17). These human relationships warm our hearts and predispose us to love Him when He comes into our lives.
God sends His salvation through human love, the love of mothers and fathers. Instead of sending adult military rulers who are to be feared, God employs the intimacy of married love to prepare His way.
In summary, God's salvation is human, passionate, takes time to unfold, is as vulnerable as a tiny baby, involves relationships which prepare His way, and is welcoming of life. That is to say, His salvation is incarnate and personal.
Salvation history is rich. Be open to all facets of salvation. Accept Jesus Christ as Savior in all His richness.
Prayer: Father, may I never cheapen Your gift of salvation by the way I present it to others. I embrace Your saving love and I will share it with thousands.
Promise: "In these days the Lord is acting on my behalf; He has seen fit to remove my reproach among men." —Lk 1:25
Praise: "O Flower of Jesse's stem, You have been raised up as a Sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in Your presence; the nations bow down in worship before You. Come, let nothing keep You from coming to our aid."
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 10, 2016
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