The following reflection is courtesy of PresentationMinistries.com (c) 2014. Their website is located at PresentationMinistries.com
ZECHARIAH’S “ADVENT”
“I was sent to…bring you this good news.” Luke 1:19
“Each man speaks from his heart’s abundance” (Lk 6:45). Zechariah’s words to the angel give evidence that his heart did not trust God. He possibly felt that God turned a “deaf ear” to his decades-long prayers for a child. Thus, when the angel Gabriel announced that God had heard his prayers (Lk 1:13), the doubt and lack of trust that filled his heart flowed naturally out of his mouth. For his lack of trust in God’s messenger, Zechariah was struck mute (Lk 1:20, 22) and deaf (Lk 1:62). He thought God was deaf to his prayers; now he learned that he was the deaf one.
Zechariah couldn’t hear or speak, so he had to rely on his sight. What he saw was the undeniable answer to his prayers growing daily in Elizabeth’s womb. This priest, who surely had meditated on the Scriptures his entire life, pondered the goodness of God and the truth of the words spoken to him by the angel Gabriel. His reflection led him to realize that his pre-born son would indeed “go before the Lord to prepare” His way (see Lk 1:17, 76).
Zechariah could have been bitter at being deprived of speech and hearing, but he prepared well during his nine-month “Advent” wait. When he completed his obedience to the angel’s prophecy by naming his son John (Lk 1:13, 63), his mouth and ears were opened. His first words to speak after more than nine months were spoken to bless God (Lk 1:64). Zechariah’s subsequent prophecy (Lk 1:67-79) gave evidence as to how he spent his “Advent” preparing his heart. Be like Zechariah. Use the rest of Advent to ponder the goodness of God and prepare for Christ’s coming at Christmas.
Prayer: “Change my heart, O God. May I be like You.” Promise: “Joy and gladness will be yours.” Lk 1:14 Praise: “O Flower of Jesse’s stem, You have been raised up as a Sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in Your presence; the nations bow down in worship before You. Come, let nothing keep You from coming to our aid.” (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant my permission to publish One Bread, One Body covering the period from December 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015.
Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 30, 2014.
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements
The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2014, whose website is located at DailyScripture.net
Do you believe that God will fulfill all his promises just as he said? Advent is a time to renew our hope and confidence in Gods faithfulness to the covenant he made with his people. In preparing the way for a Savior, we see the wondrous miracle of two barren couples who conceive and bear sons Samson in the Old Testament (Judges 13) and John the Baptist in the New Testament (Luke 1:5ff) – who are called by God to bring hope and deliverance at a time of spiritual darkness and difficulty for the people of God.
A blessing beyond expectations
Zechariah was a godly man who was tuned to Gods voice. He was born into a priestly family and it was his privilege to be chosen to enter the inner court of the temple to offer sacrifice to God. Luke records that the people wondered at Zechariah’s delay and were amazed that he was speechless when he withdrew from the inner sanctuary. They rightly perceived that he had a special encounter with God. Gods angelic messenger greeted Zechariah with a blessing beyond his expectations.
“Your prayer is heard! You will have a son! And his mission will be great for all of Israel.”
Now that seemed like a lot for Zechariah to take in all at once. Could God really do a miracle for his barren wife, Elizabeth? The angel somewhat wisely put Zechariah in his place before Gods mighty action. He became speechless until the day the infant was dedicated to the Lord and given the name, John. When God draws us into his presence, he wants us to be still and quiet before him so we can listen to his voice as he speaks to our hearts and reveals his mind to us. Do you listen attentively to the Lord and do you ponder his word in your heart with trust and confidence?
The Lord is gracious
In the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist, the angel explains to Zechariah the role his son is to play in preparing the way for the Messiah. John will be great in the sight of God. He will live as a Nazarite (see Numbers 6) – a person set apart for the Lord. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even within his mother’s womb. And he shall be sent to the people of God, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers and children to God and one another, by turning the “disobedient to the wisdom of the just.” The name John means “the Lord is gracious”. When God acts to save us he graciously fills us with his Holy Spirit and makes our faith “alive” to his promises. Do you pray that “the hearts of parents and children may be turned to God and one another”?
“Lord Jesus, you bring hope and restoration to your people. Restore and strengthen Christian family life today. Help me to love and serve my family. May your love rule in all my relationships and remove any barriers to peace and harmony.”
MrYarble 