From the Gospel according to Luke 1:5–25
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.
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.”
Becoming mute?
Faced with the words of the Angel, Zechariah doubts the good news that is communicated to him. And because of that lack of faith, he becomes mute until the day of the presentation of his son. In this same situation, the Virgin Mary does not doubt; her question is meant to understand how it will happen, since she is a virgin and is betrothed to Joseph. She thus reveals her faith and her purity. Spouses, what is our attitude? That of Zechariah, or that of Mary?
Applied to married life
Owen: Oh Louise, you have no idea what a terrible day I’ve had! I didn’t call you to tell you because I didn’t even know what to say…
Louise: Oh wow, I’m so sorry. If you like, shall we put the children to bed and talk once they’re asleep?
Owen: Yes, please. Thank you very much.
Louise: Come on, let’s sit down now and you tell me. What happened?
Owen: My boss called me into his office and, without any hesitation, told me they’re firing me. Things aren’t going well and I’m no longer needed at the company. Imagine how I felt, I wasn´t expecting this. After everything I’ve devoted to this job, they fire me without any consideration… and at Christmas.
Louise: I’m so sorry. I know how hard that must have been for you. What would you like us to do?
Owen: I’d like us to pray together for a little while, to see if the Lord helps me see how we can face this situation.
Louise That sounds wonderful. (After the couple’s prayer)
Owen: Louis, the Lord has shown me that this situation can be a blessing for our family and that I must trust in His Providence.
Louise: Yes, Owen, it has given me a lot of peace too. I’m sure He has a better plan for us.
Owen: I’ll take advantage of these days at home to spend time with the children and with you. You are my priority. And I’ll start looking at job openings, and we’ll ask Him to lend us a hand.
Louise: Blessed and praised be the Lord, who loves us so much and takes such good care of us.
Mother,