It is 19th December 2016. The readings are from Judges 13:2-7, 24-25; and the Gospel from Luke 1:5-25. The first reading presents the birth of Samson who became the judge and leader of God’s people during the time of great trouble. It is the plan of God for God’s own people. In order to make the plan of God possible in the lives of us, God expects us to cooperate with God by our personal sacrifices. The greatness of Samson revealed in his service to the nation by championing against the Philistines. The responsorial Psalm prays, “My lips are filled with your praise with your glory all the day long.” (Ps.70:8). The Gospel describes the annunciation to Zechariah by the angel Gabriel. The angel assures that Elizabeth would bear a son despite her years and instructing him to name the child as John. But Zechariah doubted the angel and as a result he lost the power of speech. God expects us our cooperation even amidst the impossible issues of our lives. We should never doubt the power of God in our lives. We need to submit ourselves to know the plan of God and cooperative with God all means. Without faith and trust in Jesus, Emmanuel, we cannot cooperate with the proposed plan of God in our lives. May God bless you to have a good day.