GOSPEL
Gabriel announces the birth of Jhon the Baptist
From the Gospel according to Luke 1:5-25
In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.
Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And 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 will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”
Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 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.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”
The Gospel of the Lord
It seemed impossible.
Perhaps God wants to give me the greatest surprise of my life, just as He did with Zechariah, granting him the long-awaited son when they thought it was impossible. And what a son! None other than the greatest man born of woman. But maybe the wonderful story that God has planned for me is clouded by my lack of trust in Him. Perhaps He is waiting for it to appear as an impossible scenario, ensuring that I recognize His hand in it rather than attributing success to my own efforts.
That is my experience. When I thought our love was impossible, when I was unable to solve it on my own and asked for help, He, through Mary, called me to make it new from Him, with Him, and for Him. And He did it, in His own way. Slowly, with different pace between my husband and me, amidst many clumsiness and missteps, we gradually stopped being blind and began to see and live our marriage as God intended. I have no doubts anymore. Just as He transformed my situation, I know He will do it with you. That’s why I have full faith that He will make you experience love as He wants you to, if you are docile, accept His plans, and make a sincere effort. Care to make a bet?.
Applied to married life:
Marcus: Mary, there’s a couple over there with a lot of problems and many wounds. They are suffering a lot.
Mary: I’ll talk to them, don’t worry.
(A few days later)
Marcus: Mary, did you manage to talk to that couple?
Mary: Yes, but unfortunately, there seems to be no solution.
Marcus: Didn’t you mention that the Lord can make all things new?
Mary: Indeed, but they must be open to humble their pride. The only barrier to God entering is a hardened heart, one that no longer believes in anything and relies solely on reason—a heart that thinks the solution lies outside of itself. They need a softened heart, a contrite and humble heart that God does not despise.
Marcus: They are my friends. Let me talk to them.
(A few months later)
Marcus: Mary, they’re ready. With the help of the Spirit, I managed to help them understand that if they continue on this path, they will continue to experience sadness, pain, and lack of love. They are eager to have a wonderful marriage but don’t know how. They are willing to let themselves be guided by us and, above all, by the grace of God.
Mary: Hallelujah! They are saved! Let’s go for it. I’ll call them today. The Lord will work wonders for them.
Mother,
We often see ourselves as the main character of our story, yet the true protagonist is the Lord. Understanding this has been crucial in our life as spouses. The moment I shift my perspective from viewing my husband as an obstacle to following Your instructions, “Do whatever He tells you,” is the day the miracle begins. A love is born within us that serves as the precursor to “The Love” that will follow. Praise be to the Lord, who has been great and generous to us. Amen.