Luke 1:5-25

Reflection

Zechariah, the husband of Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, is performing his priestly duties when the angel Gabriel appears and tells him he shall have a son named John, who will go before the Lord to prepare the people. Zechariah questions Gabriel and is rendered mute until the message of the angel is fulfilled.

In this passage, we encounter another angel delivering a message, but instead of heeding and believing the angel, doubt is expressed. Many times, we can be like Zechariah, doubting the goodness of the Lord. The world is so full of hurt and evil that it can be difficult to believe a good and beautiful thing will happen to us, namely the Lord’s intervention and love in our lives.

Even though Zechariah doesn’t initially believe, the angel’s message still comes to pass. God does not break his promises. This is good news for us who are, many times, disbelievers and doubters. Let’s work on that first step: when we hear the good news of the Gospel, believe it! Don’t doubt and question why or how it will affect you, but believe that it will, and in turn, your humble belief will lead you closer to Christ. Increase our faith and belief in you, O Lord.

Saint of the Day

St. Nemesius

St. Nemesius was martyred in Egypt during the reign of Emperor Trajanus Decius. He was scourged and burned to death for his faith. St. Nemesius, pray for us!