The Problem of Zechariah.
"In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from 
"Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.
"Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.
"Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, 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.
"He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
"He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”
"Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”
"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. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”
"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.” (Luke 1: 5 - 25).
Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent.
In yesterday's Gospel Reading, we saw the operations of God's sovereign Providence in the choice of Mary and Joseph whose entire lives could be described as a Predestination.
Today, we see Elizabeth and Zachary, her husband who are also destined by divine Providence to be key players in the team of forerunners of the Messiah.
“Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.”
Their righteousness was not enough for the new dispensation of the Gospel.
Zachary brought a serious problem of Unbelief to the Call of the Gospel. Zachary was old and Elizabeth was also old. This is a considerable impediment in the eyes of human beings. In the first Reading from Judges, the parents of Samson saw that all things are possible for God and all things are easy for God to do. After years of impotence, God removed their curse easily.
In the new dispensation, in order to enjoy the promised blessings, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, we need faith and plenty of patience. Like Elizabeth, we will be severely tested in the school of Waiting before we can say:
"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.”
Happy Advent!
"Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."
For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/11/novena-of-immaculate-conception.html?m=1
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