From the Gospel according to Luke. Lk 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
Brave or Reckless
Reflecting on the connection between today’s readings, the angels declare that they will not drink wine or strong liquor. This reminds us of the importance of weakening the flesh so that the Holy Spirit may prevail.
Both women in the readings were barren, but when the spirit is strong, it overcomes the weaknesses of the flesh. The angel announces that John, who will not drink wine or liquor, will go before the Lord with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of parents toward their children and lead the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, preparing a people ready for the Lord. This is the power of the Holy Spirit—when the human spirit rules over the flesh.
Applied to Married Life:
Mary: Andy, I think we should try to give up some of the comforts we enjoy to help strengthen our spirit.
Andy: I’ve been thinking about that too. Building a stronger love between us can’t be based on indulgence.
Mary: How about we try practicing periodic abstinence, as they suggested during the retreat?
Andy: That’s a good idea. We need to make sure that our desires don’t control our relationship and that we prepare ourselves to live with a love that seeks nothing for ourselves but focuses entirely on communion. Though I admit, it’s going to be hard because I’m so attracted to you…
Mary: And I feel the same way about you. But we need to purify our passions and align them with God’s will. Thank you for agreeing—it’s really brave of you.
Andy: I don’t know if it’s bravery or recklessness, to be honest—I’m not sure I can do it.
Mary: The Holy Spirit and the grace of our Sacrament will help us. You’ll see. Where are you going?
Andy: To chain myself to the washing machine.
Mary: Haha! You’re so silly. But I love you so much, Andy.
Mother,
Strengthen our spirit through our sacrifice. Praise be to the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.