Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
(Malachi
3:1-4.23-24; Luke 1:57-66)
Obedience
is heeding the words of another. When
Zachariah was visited by Gabriel, he did not heed the angel’s message. Rather he debated the possibility of
Elizabeth’s conceiving at her old age. For
his disobedience, Zachariah was punished with loss of speech. Chastened by Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Zachariah
rehabilitates himself. He does not hesitate
to name their child “John” as Gabriel dictated.
As a result
of his compliance, Zachariah’s speech returns.
The people are so amazed by all that is happening that they wonder what
will become of Zachariah’s son. Today’s
reading from Malachi spells out John’s fate.
He will go before the Lord to chastise the people so that they may
repent of their sins. Then when the Lord
comes, he will grant them blessings of salvation.
Many of us
have difficulty heeding what God has taught us in the Scriptures. We not only want to debate its validity, but
often ignore the instruction. Today’s
readings show that not only does the Lord intend what is good for us, but also
promises us blessings for obedience.
