There are striking similarities in today’s spiritual offerings. Angelic messengers bear glad
tidings to barren couples proclaiming the miraculous birth of sons. Said sons are chosen
instruments for deliverance of their nation into a people fit for God. In the midst of our
innate human tendencies of disbelief and skepticism, God makes allowances for our
frailty and dispenses His blessings in ways that are beyond our wildest imagination.
Zechariah’s Folly
Zechariah and Elizabeth are paragons of the faith, following God’s laws diligently. Yet
this righteous couple’s fondest dream was unrealized for they were without child,
despite their fervent pleadings and prayers. When the dream is consigned to the
rubbish heap, way past its expiry date, the angel Gabriel appears in a vision to announce
the good news. Recovering from his fear and trembling, the aged priest plucks up his
courage and we hear him pose this question.
Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an
old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” Luke 1:18
Which prompts the angel Gabriel to draw himself up to his full height and Zechariah is
left dumbstruck, literally. But why? And how is it different from Mary’s question:
But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no
relations with a man?” Luke 1:34
I’m no theologian, but while both questions are prompted by a natural desire for
understanding, there is more wonderment in one and a strong hint of disbelief in the
other.
Help My Unbelief
Zechariah’s is the logical response. In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, his
brain calculates the permutations and comes up about 50 years short. We can relate, for
we too have succumbed to doubts and disbelief, trusting our own human faculties
instead of relying on God’s promptings, nudgings, and entreaties. We too need to
prioritize faith and utter reliance in God over our human savvy and pride. The outcome
will be infinitely better! Our blessed Lord did not come to save the Jews from the
Romans but from the one who could destroy the soul. Like the hapless father whose son
was possessed by a demoniac, we too heed the words of Jesus:
Everything is possible to one who has faith. Mark 9:23
To which, we cry out:
I do believe, help my unbelief! Mark 9:24
Canticle Of Praise
The punishment of Zechariah seems to be more a blessing than a curse. For the
dumbstruck priest observes in silent wonder and awe as he sees his infant inflate the
womb of his beloved wife. Their long-awaited dream is being realized under his very
eyes and he is bursting with his inability to express his joy. Rendered speechless because
of his original doubt has transformed into him being speechless with sheer joy and
gladness, just as the angel prophesied. Eventually in the fullness of time, cometh the
advent of John, and on cue, the dam bursts, his tongue is freed, and he gives voice to
one of the sublimest of prayers recorded in the Bible. Captured in that marvelous paean
of blessing, faith, hope, and praise is Zechariah’s canticle that the Church prays every
morning. This is how it and this reflection, ends:
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.
