"I DON'T DESERVE THIS"

My flight got delayed. The cab driver got lost looking for the hotel. Traffic was heavy. 

I was tired & it was late. At this point, you can give me a sleeping bag & I would sleep soundly. Then the surprise came. "Sir, we upgraded your room for free. We hope you enjoy your stay with us." 

Wait, did the lady at the frontdesk just say "UPGRADE"? 

"Thanks!" I don't deserve this but why complain.

Maybe that's how Elizabeth felt in today's Gospel when she cried out loud "why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:53).

I didn't deserve the upgrade. Elizabeth felt the same about Mary's visit. But when you think about it who is deserving?

NO ONE.

No one is deserving because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

Even Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus, knew this as she said "My soul magnifies the Lord, & my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). 

She knew that she needed a Saviour. 

The word sin literally translates to "missing the mark". That's like my flight that did not meet the schedule. Or the cab driver who got lost. These things makes one tired. Similarly, sin also makes us tired from pursuing the life that God wants for us.

But here's the GOOD NEWS! We all get a free UPGRADE through Jesus Christ.

"But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, & having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness" - Romans 6:17-18

We got upgraded from living a SINFUL life to a RIGHTEOUS one. We can now pursue & live the life the God wants for us. So #RiseUp & be a Saint!

Truly, we don't deserve this but we are called to just receive it. We are called to receive God's love. Be thankful & get your UPGRADE now. Have a blessed weekend! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com