By Thamwar Monsang csc.
Readings: Jgs 13: 2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1: 5-25
Waiting is an essential part of life, and every waiting is not boring and unpleasant, especially when there is a hope. Today’s first reading portrays the waiting of Manoah and his wife who is barren, and how God blesses them by bringing the good news of the birth of Samson to them through an angel.
And in the gospel, we see how Zechariah and Elizabeth had their faith tested over many years as their waiting and hoping for a child remained unfulfilled, and how the Lord fulfilled their hope and waiting through the angel Gabriel, who appeared to Zechariah, announcing the birth of John the Baptist.
It is an annunciation of joy where the child to be born will go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, calling people to repent and change their hearts. But Zechariah was filled with fear and doubt though Gabriel assured him that God had heard and answered his prayers. Rather than faithfully accepting the good news, Zachariah asked the angel for proof saying, ‘how shall I know this.’ Because of his doubts, God made him mute.
The story of the birth of John shows that God can write straight even on crooked lines. Nothing is impossible for God. He works even in the most unexpected situations. He has blessed us with pleasant surprises even when the situation appeared hopeless. So, let us continue to believe during this season of hope and prepare ourselves to welcome the real first gift of Christmas, which is child Jesus. May our waiting be fulfilled and doubts be cleared and overcome by faith.