What is the quality of your vows? Do you take your promises with the seriousness of a vow? - Daily Reflections December 19,2014

TAKE A VOW

Both readings for today allude to the Jewish spiritual practice called a Nazirite vow. In general terms, a Nazirite vow is a practice of self-discipline that Jewish males undergo as a form of consecration to God or to a higher and noble purpose. It includes, among many others, refraining from eating anything unclean, avoiding taking strong wine or drink, and keeping the hair untouched by the razor until the fulfillment of the vow. We read that Samson in the First Reading and John the Baptist in our Gospel were both consecrated to the Nazirite vow. The vow is not a statement against food or drink or good grooming. The vow is a commitment to a Divine consecration. The object of the vow is to train one’s willpower in order to fulfill a higher goal or purpose in life.

       The words vow and promise are often used interchangeably. But a vow is inherently different from a promise. A promise is a guarantee. When we make a promise, we make an assurance based on the strength of our word. It is our word, our reputation, our integrity that is at stake.

       A vow is inherently religious in nature. When we make a vow, we invoke God as a partner in our guarantee. God’s word, reputation and integrity are put at stake as well. So, when we make a vow, we enter into a covenant.

       Entering into marriage is making a vow. Entering religious life is a covenant vow as well. Breaking a vow is not simply reneging on a promise. Breaking a vow is as good as violating the second commandment, i.e., “Thou shall not use the name of the Lord God in vain.” Breaking a vow therefore is a form of blasphemy, of sacrilege.

       We need to recapture the sense of a vow. Even our promises should be made in the spirit of a vow. Today we read of the events leading to the birth of the Messiah. The conception of John the Baptist is one of the first steps leading to the fulfillment of God’s vows to enter into a covenant of salvation with His people. God is faithful to His vow. God remains true to His end of the covenant. Fr. Joel Jason

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What is the quality of your vows? Do you take your promises with the seriousness of a vow?

Your words, O Lord, are a rock of refuge, a stronghold I can hold on to that keeps me secure. Make mine as well for others.