My Gospel Reflection today… written last year…
Reflection by Emily Davis
Dear Ones, blessed Christmas Eve! I pray your Advent was quiet and focused on Jesus instead of stressing about gifts. Our youngest is 18 and our holidays are quieter. I appreciate it because I’m more focused.
Zechariah is a priest who doubted what the angel Gabriel was telling him. He didn’t believe the message from God because it seemed too good to be true. Have you ever been there? Me – so many times.
Earlier, in Luke 1:20, the angel Gabriel says,
“But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”
Zechariah is not able to speak again until John is born. Through Zechariah’s doubt, we relate to this great man so much. How many times have we begged God’s forgiveness and given thanks as we stand in awe of the promises He has kept in spite of our doubting His Truth? It’s so humbling.
As we wait for the angels’ chorus and the Christmas star to light the night, we look back on the Canticle of Zechariah, where he proclaims the fulfillment of God’s ultimate promise to all.
Speaking of John, Zechariah proclaimed:
“You, my child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.” Luke 1:76-77
I read this Canticle every day during morning prayer. It’s a constant reminder of how connected we are to the infant Catholic Church, and how similar we are in our doubts of God, even though we know His mercy endures forever! We must do better!
Ponder:
How many examples do you have of times you haven’t trusted God but should have known you should not have doubted Him? I challenge you to write them down and remind yourself of His promises kept!
Pray:
Dear Lord, thank You for being faithful when I doubt. Thank You for teaching me consequences but loving me enough to show me the blessings of Your will. Come Holy Spirit, give me strength, help me focus, and control my doubts.
LadyEm ~ Under Mary's Mantle 