Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
In yesterday’s reflection, I focused on the role of St. Joseph as the adoptive father of Jesus, as portrayed in the Gospel of Matthew. Because of his righteousness, he related to his wife Mary with compassion and tenderness.
Throughout the rest of this week, our Gospel readings will come from St. Luke. Other persons attract our attention, especially Mary, but also her cousin Elizabeth. John the Baptist and his father Zechariah feature in a couple of the gospel selections. The Old Testament readings will at times present the stories of other children being promised to elderly or barren women.
Today’s Gospel is sometimes called the “Announcement to the priest Zechariah.” Zechariah is the husband of Elizabeth, who is Mary’s cousin. Zechariah is an Old Testament priest. As such he has responsibilities to fulfill in the Jerusalem Temple. While doing this, “the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense” (Luke 1:11).
The angel brought him good news: his wife Elizabeth will conceive and bear a son. This son will become St. John the Baptist who will prepare the way for the Messiah (Jesus), preaching repentance and baptism for the cleansing of sins.
Zechariah had his doubts. After all, “Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years” (Luke 1:7). He probably wondered, if this comes true, will Medicare pay for our maternity expenses?
The angel didn’t think it was funny. He reprimanded Zechariah for his lack of faith and informed him that he would not be able to speak until the birth of John.
Today’s Gospel ends by saying that after Elizabeth conceived she went into seclusion. A contemporary author has suggested the reason for this. “Elizabeth kept herself hidden in order to contemplate. When God speaks it is right that one keep silent (Zechariah remained mute); when God works marvels it is not right to lose oneself in chatter but to immerse oneself in religious silence” (Elena Bosetti, Luke, The Song of God’s Mercy, p. 19).
Shouldn’t we do the same in this season of waiting?
Reflection by Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections