Readings:
Judges 13:2-7,24-25
Luke 1:5-25
Reflection:
These days, we are all familiar with looking at previews that give us glimpses of movies we might be interested in watching at the cinema or at home. Such previews give us a feel for what is to come and serve to pique our interest. Ancient writers worked the same way, and today’s gospel passage functions as a preview of what is to come.
In this first scene of the Gospel of Luke, we are given a glimpse of both the past and the future. Zechariah and Elizabeth’s plight brings to mind the difficulties of other couples in the Old Testament who, due to no fault of their own, have not been blessed with children. Abraham and Sarah, Manoah and his wife, Zechariah and Elizabeth all share in the same distress and misfortune that will now be unexpectedly turned to delight and hope. In each instance, these children will be significant in God’s saving history: Isaac, Samson, and John the Baptist all have their roles to play.
During Zechariah’s conversation with the angel, we learn that John will be dedicated to God as Samson was and, even more importantly, will prepare the people for the Messiah who is coming. Zechariah wrestles with this annunciation from the divine messenger and is temporarily struck dumb to teach him, and more importantly, the reader, that when God speaks, we are meant to listen and respond accordingly. This theme of God’s word proclaimed, received, and enacted is a major theme in Luke and Acts of the Apostles – as it should be in our lives.
Fr. Chris Monaghan CP, lectures in the New Testament and is President of Yarra Theological Union. He is a member of the Passionist community of Holy Cross in Templestowe.