Luke 1:67-80

There is a fire flowing through me. All these months of silence have taught me much, but the most important thing I’ve learned is that You, O Lord, are faithful and merciful. Forgive me for ever doubting. Thank you for the graces you’ve poured out on our family. Thank you for creating in me a clean heart. You are fulfilling all of the prophecies of old in our sight. Our redemption is at hand. As I take John in my arms, I have to speak, but will they believe?

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 

I can feel the crowd around me murmuring and trying to make sense of all of this, but I can only focus on one thing. John’s innocent eyes look back at me. It feels like he knows already, but that can’t be. It is now up to me to help him find his place and fulfill the role God wants him to play in this drama unfolding. Lord, give me strength for the job ahead. This one is more important than anything I’ve done as Your priest. I am now a father. Father to Your prophet. I will do this job to the best of my ability and with all the grace You have given me. As I look over at Elizabeth standing next to our young cousin Mary, just starting to show signs of her blooming pregnancy, I can’t help but be humbled to be a part of Your design to save our people. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel! 

Reflection Questions: Silence is rare in our society today, but so very important when trying to hear God’s voice. What do you do to try to find that quiet space to pray and listen to the Lord? Are you intentional about spending time with Him where there are no distractions? Do you allow yourself to stop talking to Him in prayer and open up to hear His words? Schedule some time just for the two of you this next week and see what happens. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to search out the silence and let You work on me. Just as Zechariah went from doubter to prophet by shifting from leaning on his own understanding to trusting in Your wisdom, help me to do the same. May our time together in silent contemplation bring forth a fire in me to do Your will and share You with others. Amen.