Gospel Reading: Lk 1:5-25
In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah…
Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God… the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” …
And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. …
Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute.
Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.
After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”
Reflection YOUR WIFE ELIZABETH WILL BEAR YOU A SON
Like Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth become the recipients of God’s graciousness. Humanly speaking, they could no longer generate life, but God lets his power work in them. Before such mystery, Zechariah falls into disbelief and in a sense the silence that is imposed on him is a way of making him get into the mystery and truly realize the truth of God’s power.
We, too, are often overcome by our unbelief before things we cannot understand. And we become stunned, muted for some time. But God will find a way to open our hearts to embrace mystery and to open our mouths in joyful acceptance and praise of God’s power.
“There is never a moment when God is not in control.
Relax! He’s got you covered” (Mandy Hale).
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
