Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous and observed all the commandments of the Lord blamelessly, yet when the angel appeared to Zechariah, he struggled to believe the news spoken to him, and was punished for his doubt. We think of punishment in different ways—as a type of penalty for negative behavior or speech, but it can also be used as a means of correction, or to bring about change. Since God is merciful and loving the punishment He gives through the angel must be in some way for Zechariah’s ultimate good.
St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “We need silence to be alone with God, to speak to Him, to listen to Him, to ponder His words deep in our hearts. We need to be alone with God in silence to be renewed and to be transformed.” For the many men and women who have attended one of our Encountering Christ silent retreats this past year, they have experienced silence as challenge, but also a great blessing. The discipline of silence strengthened their relationship with God and deepened their retreat experience. Silence, when embraced, can be powerful and transformative.
Make room for silence. You don’t have to have it imposed on you by an angel, but can freely embrace it so as to allow your heart to be moved to gratitude and praise. Remember that when Zechariah’s tongue was finally freed, “he spoke blessing God.” May we always praise God’s Holy Name!
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections