HOMILY OF SATURDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B
Judges 13:2-7.24-25a, Luke 1:5-25
When do not give up in our service to God and humanity, there is nothing that will be impossible for us. In his old age, Zechariah was still very faithful to his duty as a priest in the temple. Though his marriage with Elizabeth has not been blessed with a child, he never gave up offering sacrifice to God for the people. God, in his own way chose to send forerunner of his Christ through this family. Hence, Elizabeth, who people called barren will conceive and bear a son even in her old age.
The angel said to Zechariah, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you shall call his name John”
We are the first beneficiary of our prayers for others. Though he was offering sacrifice not for himself alone, he got the response to his own personal and relentless prayers. The time of our longing may tarry, God can never lose sight of those who belong to him; those who do not give in the face of trials. At times, when we suffer delay, we may not know what God is planning for us. He may have a bigger plan than our requests.
May God grant us that zeal to always be in his presence, that when the time our visitation comes, we shall not miss it. May he give us the grace to endure and be patient till the day when his plans in ourselves are scheduled for manifestation. Amen.
