The Angel Gabriel appeared to Zachariah in the Temple and announced the birth of John. When Zachariah asks, “How can I know?” he is reprimanded and punished with 9 months of being unable to speak. Yet when Gabriel appears to Mary and she asks, “How can this be?” why is she not punished?
If you pay close attention to what they say, note that Zachariah doubts. Mary does not.
In the original Greek, it’s clearer. Mary simply asks for more information. But Zachariah had prayed so long for a son and gotten so old, he thought it impossible. Whereas young Mary, full of grace, asked her question in deep trust, so Gabriel revealed more.
Yet, while Zachariah was far from perfect, he was still a good man and God did his Will through him! And Zachariah’s trust grew. His silence gave him the space to ponder what God was doing in their lives. Elizabeth did conceive, but how could they understand what the Lord was doing? Six months later, his wife’s young cousin, Mary, came to help. Zachariah was a priest. He knew the prophecies, so he understood. Mary carried the long-awaited Messiah in her womb! Imagine those 3 beautiful months that Mary remained with Zachariah and Elizabeth. God was with them! Salvation was coming! However, they all knew the Lord called them all on a challenging mission.
This has been a difficult year for all of us. We might wonder where God is during these COVID times. Yet, in Advent we, too, have been called to ponder, like Mary and Zachariah, to look more deeply, to see on a wider horizon.
The babe that Mary bears is the hope that our world needs now, the Savior, God is with us! He invites us to share His mission We do not yet know what 2021 will bring yet we know He will lead and guide us if we trust in Him. He would guide the whole world if the world would trust in Him. Do not be afraid.
In today’s gospel, we hear how Elizabeth and Zachariah name their son. They insist: his name is John, which means God is gracious! With Mary, Zachariah, Elizabeth, and John, say ‘Yes’ to the gracious God and His mission!
With Mary, this Christmas we, too, say ‘Yes’ to Jesus!
- Father Jim's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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