2 Samuel 7: 1-5.8b-12. 14a.16,
Psalm 89:2-3.4-5.27 and 29
Luke 1:67-79 Full Readings
Christmas at Greccio
The Fruit of Zechariah's Silence
Brethren, today we come to a conclusion of the story of annunciation, birth, naming of John the Baptist and defining his mission. This story has a divine intervention in the history of salvation as John the Baptist was to prepare the way for the saviour who is being born tomorrow on Christmas day. However, the story also consists of Zechariah being made mute as a result of doubting the message of Angel Gabriel. And yesterday, we saw him speaking again after naming the child, John, as the Angel had commanded him at J0on’s annunciation. In the gospel today we see Zekariah filled with the Holy Spirit and praises God in the well-known Benedictus which is said every morning in the liturgy of hours. This Benedictus not only blesses the Lord but also defines the mission of Jonn.
Zechariah starts blessing the Lord. Blessing the Lord is understood as praising God. Why is he praising God? Zechariah praises God for what he had done to his people throughout history, but above all for appointing John the Baptist to be the forerunner of Jesus the saviour of all the people from their sins. All in all Zechariah praises God for the wonderful deeds he had done in the life of Israel even sending his only begotten Son Jesus. Brethren, do you praise God for whatever he has done in your life?
Zechariah bursts out singing the ‘Benedictus’ just as the ‘Magnificat’ of Mary (Lk 1:46-56) and Hannah (1 Sam 2:1-11). Even if you think that your life and situations have been something close to hell this year, still “give thanks to God in all circumstances for that is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18). Really, our thanksgiving adds nothing to his greatness, rather it profits us for salvation. When David thought of building for the Lord from the little he had, God multiplied his blessings (2 Sam 7:9-16). May God give you a great cause for thanksgiving before the end of this year through Christ our Lord.
Zechariah is a model and example for those who have lacked faith, have suffered the consequences of their lack of faith, and have changed as a result. Zechariah's silence imposed by God really bore fruit and let us see how silence can also help us in growing spiritually strong.
Silence for Reflection: Zechariah had been in silence (a silence imposed by God) for over nine months. Perhaps at the beginning, he had felt frustrated at not being able to communicate normally with others. As time goes on, that frustration turns into resignation and reluctant acceptance. Through perseverance and prayer, suddenly he begins to love the trial God had imposed on him, embracing it wholeheartedly and willingly. When we see someone who is suffering, be it in a hospital, a nursing home or even on the street or at work, we need to bring them this message of hope. Suffering has a meaning, a redemptive value, if we unite our sufferings to those of Christ.
Silence for Union with Our Lord: We see that Zechariah’s 9-month “retreat” has provided him the opportunity for closer contact with God. Through prayer, he has been brought to a deeper and experiential knowledge of God, which has converted him into an apostle in his desire to share this experience with others. As his wife’s period of waiting results in her giving birth to a prophet, so Zechariah’s “incubation” period also turns him into a prophet: He foretells that salvation for his people is near at hand. We will have words of wisdom and encouragement for others when we have discovered how to be alone with God in the secret depths of our hearts. Silence is a vehicle for achieving this intimacy.
Silence for Praise: At some moment during his tribulation, Zechariah would recall the angel’s words, “you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place” (Luke 1:20). Hope would invade his heart. The day is coming when he would be able to speak again! He has nine months to prepare his speech. The first words he utters as his tongue is loosened are not a curse against God for having made him suffer, but a hymn of praise for his mercy on sinful humanity. He has experienced this mercy in his flesh. We are meant to communicate truth through speech; the greatest truth is what God has done for us and wishes to do for every single person. When our speech results from what we have first meditated on profoundly, our words will bear fruit. Does my speech normally edify others? Do my words ordinarily come from the good I have experienced in God’s company? Am I aware of how much we can build up others through good conversations?
Reflect today on the person and silence of Zechariah, once with doubt but later become an instrument of faith and praising God when he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit to enlighten you so that we can prepare both spiritually and physically for the birth of the Messiah tomorrow. Prepare your heart so that it will receive the baby Jesus.
Let us pray
Lord Jesus, this night you will be born anew into our world, into my world. Together with Zechariah, I open my hands and heart to you in faith, you who forever hold me in your hands and heart. Come soon, and tarry not, Infant King. Purify my hope and strengthen my faith that I may receive you as you choose to come lowly, humble, and human. Amen
Be blessed
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