In today's two readings at Mass we hear the touching story of two women of Israel who suffered painful humiliations because they were unable to bear children. One, Hannah, became the mother of Samson; the other, Elizabeth, became the mother of John the Baptist. Both women were barren and in those days to be "barren" was considered by relatives and friends to be cursed by God and completely useless.

But, God intervenes. Both women were God fearing persons, and God sent His angels and saves them, healing them and making them whole and happy. Hannah gives birth to Samson who frees Israel from the tyranny of the Philistines; Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist the fore-runner of Jesus, the Messiah, who redeems all.

For us, modern individuals, these stories may seem childish; but they are part of the history of salvation. The words 'Saviour and Healer' are equivalent expressions in the Bible and point to the person who is blessed with the power of God. Thus, the salvation which we celebrate at Christmas is ultimately that inner health that heals our inner weakness and conflicts, our alienation from one another, our alienation from God. Don't we hear the saying of Gabriel, the angel, to Mary, "Nothing is impossible to God"?

Let us always keep in touch with the healing and creative power of God that comes to us in Jesus Christ. We need the healing power of Jesus - but we have to accept Him and accept too that we are barren - spiritually.