“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Friday, 23rd December2016,
Fourth Week of Advent
Mal 3: 1-4, 23-24;
Ps 24: 4-5, 8-10, 14;
Lk 1: 57-66
RETURNING TO THE LORD!
Today the gospel reflects upon the person of Zechariah, the father of Saint John the Baptist. God blessed him and Elizabeth with this miraculous pregnancy at an old age after being barren. The Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah in the temple to reveal this glorious event, but Zechariah received it with disbelief. The result was that he was struck mute until this, the day of his birth. Today’s Gospel reveals how Zechariah untied the knot of his disbelief. He did so by following the command of the angel to name the child “John.” But God had picked the name “John” and, therefore, both Zechariah and Elizabeth are given the opportunity to embrace and manifest their faith by accepting the name given to their child by God. In a sense, we can say that Zechariah “righted his wrong.” He righted it by making the choice of faith and acting on it. This is a great witness for all of us because all of us have failed in faith in one way or another.
In all of our lives, we can regularly point to failures of faith. Sometimes, God sees fit to impose a severe “punishment” upon us as a result. We may endure some suffering or hardship for our failure to heed His voice wholeheartedly. But know that any “punishment” from God is not primarily a result of his wrath. Rather, most often the consequences of any lack of faith is permitted by God permitted by God because He has something greater in mind. In this case, it was so that He could loosen the tongue of Zechariah at the proper moment so that he could glorify God with great faith. In our lives, we should look for Him to do the same.
Today’s Gospel also marks the dawn of the new day. With the birth of John the Baptist Luke wants to show that a new era has dawned. The time of the promises has ended, there is to be no more waiting, the time has begun for such promises to be fulfilled. God has kept his word. God in his love for humanity intervenes and instills life into it once again. This intervention of God brings an explosion of joy - joy for all.
Prayer: Lord, I know I lack faith in my life. I fail to believe all that You speak to me. As a result, I often fail to put Your words into action. Dear Lord, when I suffer as a result of my weakness, help me to know that this and all suffering can result in giving glory to You if I but renew my faith. Help me, like Zechariah, to return to You always, and use me as an instrument of Your manifest glory. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.