HOW CAN I BE SURE? ~ CookingFood.Org

“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”

Monday, 19th December 2016,

Fourth Week of Advent

Jdg 13: 2-7, 24-25;

Ps 70: 3-6, 16-17;

Lk 1: 5-25

HOW CAN I BE SURE?

It’s interesting to contrast the conversation of Zechariah and Gabriel with the one that Mary has with Gabriel. Their responses to Gabriel seem similar, but Gabriel reacts to each of them in completely different ways. To Mary, Gabriel offers a simple explanation upon her request for more information: “How can this be?” she says. Gabriel responds, “The Holy Spirit will overshadow you…” But, in the case of Zechariah, the Angel does not give an explanation. Instead, Zechariah is struck mute for his failure to believe. Though these reactions of Mary and Zechariah may seem similar on the surface, it’s clear that their hearts are quite far apart. For Mary, our Blessed Mother, her question was asked in perfect faith. She heard Gabriel speak and she believed. But faith seeks understanding and so Mary, in her perfect faith, sought to understand the mystery that was being presented to her. Gabriel responds with a brief insight and Mary is grateful for that.

Zechariah responds to the angel, “How shall I know this?” In other words, he admitted to not “knowing” these words to be true. Faith is knowledge of the clearest form and Zechariah failed to have faith. Therefore, he was struck mute as a sign that, without faith, there is nothing to speak. ‘

Whenever, God reveals, we must first believe, and then, with great humility, look for explanations. Let us reflect upon your own faith. Is it pure and eager to assent to all that God reveals? Are we ready and willing to believe all that God speaks to us? Though you and I may not receive His word through the direct mediation of an angel in visible form, we are privileged to have God speak to us in the Word of God. Do we listen and respond with the faith of our Blessed Mother or Zechariah?

Prayer: Lord, give me the same pure and holy faith that Your Blessed Mother had. Though I acknowledge my sin and weakness, help me, by her example and intercession, to receive each and every word You wish to speak to me through the mediation of the hosts of Heaven. May I always be attentive to Your word and respond with a generous heart. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.