“So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit
to take away my disgrace before others.”

Luke 1:25

Luke 1:5-25

Reflection

The angel Gabriel announces to Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth will bear a son, who will go in the spirit and power of Elijah, turning many people to the Lord. Zechariah questions this, because both he and his wife are old; when he does so, Gabriel tells him he will remain mute until everything has taken place. Elizabeth conceives and praises the Lord.

When Zechariah receives a positive answer to his prayer, he questions and doubts instead of rejoicing. Although Elizabeth and he are old, she is to conceive and they will have a son. This beautiful news is not met with the joy one would expect. When we receive an answer to a prayer, do we react in the same way as Zechariah?

Hopefully we do not doubt, but rather praise God and thank him for helping us in our need. We should strive to copy Elizabeth’s reaction, thanking God for answering our prayer at an appropriate time, even if it’s not the timing we want or expect. How can you be more grateful for the prayers answered in your life?

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Saint of the Day

St. Berardo Valeara: ca. 1050 – 1122

St. Berardo was born into a noble family but became a Benedictine monk. He was known for helping the poor and promoting peace in his region. St. Berardo, pray for us!