53 / 88
The Gospel tells us the fa-
miliar story of the opening
of Zechariah’s mouth. We
recall that Zechariah was
struck dumb by his refusal
to believe the promise of
the Angel Gabriel that
Elizabeth and he would
have a son long after their
childbearing years. Again
we need to refrain from
the sentiment that Zechari-
ah was “punished” for his
lack of belief. Rather, we
should take from Zechari-
ah’s account how we can
cut ourselves off from God’s messenger by the timidity of our faith and re-
luctance to accept His message. Zechariah’s praise of God following the
opening of his mouth testifies to the acceptance of God’s messenger and the
good news he brings.
Prayer
As we approach Christmas, let us continue to open ourselves to the promise
of our salvation that the Incarnation begins to fulfill.
_______
Roland Simpson
Parishioner