Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Lectionary: 195


But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard."






We are rapidly approaching Christmas and our gospel readings during these last days are taken from the "infancy narratives" of Saints Matthew's and Luke's gospels. The first readings are selected to remind us of the Old Testament promises fulfilled in the birth of Jesus.


Advent reminds us of our hope for salvation; current affairs remind us that we cannot save ourselves. Try as we will to right wrongs and distribute blessings we never quite manage to remove the self from our decisions. We might give, but only so much; we might allow for differences but only so far; we might trust but only within certain predetermined limits. We are not prepared to act selflessly, or surrender everything that the crisis requires.
But we do pray even from within our reservations and reluctance. We ask God for help. The Angel Gabriel arrives to assure us, "Your prayer has been heard."
God might not provide the help we expect or prefer. The Lord rarely acts as an aide or assistant, especially when our schemes are not inspired by the Holy Spirit. In fact we have a saying about that, "When the gods want to punish someone they answer their prayers."
Ours are the Lord's, "Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven..."
The movie Polar Express ended with a solidly Christian message, "Just Believe," though somewhat distorted by the image of Santa Claus.
We believe the Lord's Prayer cannot be disappointed and our prayer cannot be frustrated. We pray with Zechariah and with Mary for the Coming of the Messiah; and Gabriel comes to assure us, "Your prayer has been heard."