Gospel – Luke 1:5-25
In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.
Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.
Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.
With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, “This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favourably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.”
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention’s is for The People of the Parish 12. Noon.
John and Joe Reid, RIP Our Lady’s 5.00pm
Victoria & Sabastian N’s Intentions
Reflection:
Into day’s gospel we read of the annunciation to Zechariah and Elizabeth as old and childless is presented in an historical context. There is an annunciation to Zechariah in the Temple of a child who will be called John.
We are told about his manner of life and of his mission to prepare people for the Lord. John is to be a powerful voice, but Zechariah because of his lack of faith lost the power of his speech.
In due course his wife Elizabeth conceived. She spent months in retreat and thanked God for taking away her disgrace in being childless.
Zechariah and Elizabeth are an old couple, as were Abraham and Sarah (Gen 18), when they were promised a child.
- Am I comfortable with a God of surprises? Each of us is a promised child of God with a mission to prepare the way, how do I prepare the way of the lord.
- Zechariah doubted the angel’s message and was punished for it. I ask God’s help with my own doubts and difficulties, increase my faith?
- Do I fear this or, do I trust God to show me the way? Lord, help me appreciate that I am a promised child, a child of promise, so that I may carry out what you desire of me.
