The Rosary Dad

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:5-25 (RSV-2CE)

“In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth; for he will be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink, and 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, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.’ And 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 answered him, ‘I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.’ And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they wondered at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he made signs to them and remained mute. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she hid herself, saying, ‘Thus the Lord has done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.’”

Reflection:

On the fourth day of Simbang Gabi, we hear the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple who, despite their righteousness, were burdened by infertility. In their old age, God sent an angel to announce that they would have a son, to be named John, who would prepare the way for the Lord.

Zechariah’s initial doubt in God’s message contrasts with Elizabeth’s joy and faith when she conceives. Zechariah, rendered mute for a time because of his disbelief, reminds us of the power of God’s promises. His silence serves as a reminder that God’s will is never delayed by human limitations; His timing is always perfect.

In this Advent season, like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we are invited to trust God’s plan, even when it seems impossible or when we cannot see how it will unfold. Advent is a time to reflect on God’s faithfulness, even when the answers to our prayers may take time. Let us, like Elizabeth, rejoice in the ways God is working in our lives, trusting that He hears our prayers and is at work in His perfect timing.

Reflection Question:
What prayers am I waiting for God to answer, and how can I trust in His timing this Advent season?