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."
W e could interpret Gabriel's reply to Zechariah as a rebuke, and he probably heard it as that. But it's not like the old Jewish priest was unfamiliar with rebukes, or afraid of them. He had lived with the Lord a long time, and he knew the history of his people. He would not hesitate to echo Isaiah's astonished gasp upon seeing a vision of God,
“Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”
He knew the good man sins seven times a day, but he knew,
The LORD’s acts of mercy are not exhausted,his compassion is not spent;They are renewed each morning—great is your faithfulness! (Lamentation 3:23)
So an archangel's rebuke was not especially terrifying. If he was mute 'until he day these things take place," it was a small price to pay for the good news he would share with his wife Elizabeth.
As we celebrate Advent and prepare like Zechariah and Elizabeth for something wonderful to happen, we can confess our sins and receive the gentle rebuke of an appropriate penance. That setback will be no worse than the agony of childbirth which is rewarded with the joy of the Messiah's birth.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.