Emmanuel : God is with Us

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season: Third Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel :Mt 1:18-25*

*First Reading : Jer 23:5-8*

*Responsorial Psalm :Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19*

*Emmanuel : God is with Us*

*1) God is with Us*

This is a beautiful phrase, which evokes a divine feeling in us

With the birth of Jesus, God became one with man and lived among us 

This changes the real human history because, in and through Jesus one can see God, experience God  and live with God

*2) God's Presence Among Us*

This phrase helps us to see God's presence among us 

To the believers God is not one who is far away but has come near.

The message of Emmanuel is that God is not someone, who is far away, but intimately involved in the lives of His people.

*3) Fulfillment of Prophecy*

In the Old Testament, the prophecy was a sign to King Ahaz that God was with His people, even in times of trial. 

In Matthew's Gospel, this prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, a reminder that God keeps His promises across generations. 

It signals the arrival of the Messiah who would be God’s ultimate sign of divine presence and intervention in the world

*4) God's Love and Compassion*

The reality of "Emmanuel" shows the depth of God's love. 

God does not remain far sway from us or uninvolved but chooses to enter human history and experience the full range of human life.

In Jesus, God enters into human suffering and provides a way for salvation.

*5) Hope and Assurance*

The name "Emmanuel" offers hope to believers, particularly in times of hardship. 

It is a reminder that no matter how difficult life may be, God is with us. 

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). 

This promise of Jesus can be seen in the *Emmanuel*

For Christians, this promise assures that God's presence is constant, even in times of fear, uncertainty, or suffering.

*6) The Ongoing Presence of God*

Jesus, as "Emmanuel," is not just a moment in history but an ongoing reality.

While Jesus ascended to heaven, His presence continues through the Holy Spirit. 

The early Christians, as well as believers today, experience God’s presence in their lives through the indwelling Spirit. 

Thus, "Emmanuel" is not just a past event; it is a present reality in the lives of those who follow Christ.

God *is* with us. The present tense in the above sentence is very important. *Was* and *will be* does not apply to God's presence. It *is* and always

*7) The Revelation of God*

The name "Emmanuel" also signifies the full revelation of who God is. 

In Jesus, one can see God. The revelation of God happens through Jesus. 

In Jesus, God's character, His love, justice, mercy, and holiness, are revealed in a way that humans can understand and encounter.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*