AWAITING THE DAWN OF SALVATION WITH ZECHARIAH AND ELIZABTH. Meditation on Luke 1:5-25.

As we prepare our hearts for the feast of the Nativity, let us reflect on a profound passage from the Gospel of Luke. Today’s Gospel (Luke 1:5-25) brings us closer to the meaning of the coming of our Lord. The narration reminds us of the circumstances under which John the Baptist was conceived. His parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth are the key figures. Their story is not just a prelude to the birth of Christ; it is deeply woven into the fabric of salvation history in which we discover how God journeyed with His people and gradually revealed Himself to them and through them to the humanity.

The Identity of Zechariah and Elizabeth

Zechariah and Elizabeth stand as figures of faith and continuity in God's plan. Their lineage, deeply rooted in the priestly and Levitical traditions, underlines their pivotal role in salvation history. Luke tells us that Zechariah is a priest of the division of Abijah, and Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron. They both embody the faithfulness of God to the Israelites, and their waiting in hope for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Their faithfulness is a bridge from the old covenant to the new, from the divine promise to its fulfillment in Christ.

Righteousness in the Eyes of God

The narrative tells us that “both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly” (Luke 1:6). This description is vital. Their righteousness is not just about moral perfection but signifies their wholehearted commitment to God’s will; it reflects their deep faith. Despite their righteousness, they faced the sorrow of childlessness. This contrasts with the understanding widely spread in their time, according to which barrenness was the consequence of a divine punishment for sins. Zechariah and Elizabth remained steadfast in faith. They embody the paradox that sometimes those most faithful to God experience profound trials.

The Significance of Their Advanced Age

The mention of their advanced age is not merely a biological note but a symbolic element. It echoes the story of Abraham and Sarah. Their story reminds us of the fact that God often works beyond the boundaries of human possibility. Their old age, coupled with the gift of a child, signals that God’s actions transcend human expectations and limitations. This theme is a beacon of hope. It is an affirmation that God's promises are not bound by our temporal constraints.

The Apparition of the Angel and the Message

The appearance of the Angel Gabriel to Zechariah in the temple is a moment of awe and revelation. This angelic visitation signals a divine intervention, a moment when heaven touches earth. The angel's message to Zecharia, that Elizabeth will bear a son named John, is laden with hope and promise. John is to be the forerunner of the Messiah, the one who prepares the way for the Lord. This message is not just news of a birth; it is an announcement of the dawn of redemption.

Zechariah's initial doubt and resulting muteness are also significant. They remind us that even the faithful can struggle to grasp God's mysterious ways. His muteness is both a sign of his human frailty and a symbolic silence, preparing for the proclamation of the Good News that will soon resonate in the birth of John and, ultimately, in Jesus Christ.

In contemplating the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, we are invited to recognize that God’s ways often defy our expectations. Their story is a testament to faith in the face of disappointment and hope in the face of impossibility. As we approach the feast of the Nativity, let their story deepen our faith and renew our hope. The birth of John the Baptist, heralding the coming of our Savior, reminds us that in the fullness of time, God fulfills His promises in ways that transcend our understanding. Let us, therefore, prepare our hearts to welcome Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise, with renewed faith and joyous expectation.

 

Let us Pray!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving us this opportunity to experience this new day.

As we draw closer to the joyous feast of Nativity, we ask for the grace to embrace Your will with the same steadfast faith and unwavering trust Elizabeth and Zachariah showed.

Lord, in their story, we find the courage to believe beyond our understanding, to hope against hope. Teach us to wait patiently for Your promises, trusting that in Your perfect timing, You will fulfill them.

Bless us with the wisdom to see Your hand at work in our lives, even when the path is clouded with uncertainty. May the example of Zechariah and Elizabeth inspire us to live righteously, obeying Your commandments with a whole heart.

As we anticipate the birth of Your Son, our Savior, let our hearts be filled with the same joy and expectation that heralded John the Baptist’s arrival. May this season renew in us a profound sense of Your love and mercy.

We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.