Saturday of the Third Week of Advent – December 19, 2015
(Judges 13:2-7.24-25a; Luke 1:5-25)
It is said that for Jews the first commandment is not: “Thou
shalt have no strange gods before me,” or even: “Love God with all your
heart…” No, their first commandment comes
from the initial words God speaks to humans: “Be fruitful and multiply.” Thus, Zechariah and Elizabeth – two God-fearing
people – feel “disgrace” both naturally and religiously for their not having
born a child.
Luke punctuates the fact that Zechariah seeks a sign from
the angel who bore the news of his son’s unlikely conception. The request is reminiscent of people in the
gospel demanding a sign from Jesus. These skeptics are unsure about Jesus even
after he demonstrates his divine authority time and again.
What God calls forth from Zechariah -- and from us as well
-- is trust. He gives his word to
Zechariah that Elizabeth
is going to bear him a child. A wise
person might admonish the priest, “Enough; believe it, Zechariah, and give
praise to God.” Jesus speaks similarly to us. He tells us in the early days of
Advent to prepare for his return. This
means that we are to care for the needy, to pray for those who persecute us,
and to thank God continuously for everything we have. Now with the celebration of his coming so
near, trust means to have confidence that he will save the world from its
folly. ISIS will be defeated. Abortion will come to an end. Our personal pride, lust, and sloth will be
overcome.
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