(23RD DECEMBER)

First Reading: Mal 3:1-4.4:5-6; Psalm: 25 R. v. Lk 21:28; Gospel: Lk 1:57-66

FROM DOUBT TO BELIEF

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Zachariah has been dumb for nine months now consequent to his doubt on the angel’s message. Recall how an angel appeared to Zachariah while he burned incense in the temple and revealed to him that he would have a child. That encounter ended leaving Zachariah dumb because of his unbelief. The angel told him he would be unable to speak pending on when the child was born. Elizabeth his wife later on conceived a child. Mary, the would-be mother of God visited Elizabeth in her sixth month and stayed with her three months till her child was born.

This great news went round yet Zachariah couldn’t speak. He probably had a lot to say but was dumb. Eights day on, his relatives and friends gathered for the naming of the new born. Traditionally, according to the Jewish’s custom, a first son is usually named after the father or a close relative. Everyone expected the child to be named within this confines. But instead, Zachariah wrote on a tablet that the child would be called John. This was in obedience to the angel’s command regarding the name the child would be called. It was only then that Zachariah’s mouth opened and he began to speak.

The manner in which Zachariah regained his speech was revealing. Zachariah became dumb due to his unbelief but regained his speech when he acted in obedience to the angel’s command. Sometimes, God makes us learn the hard way. Not because he hates us but because some experiences could help deepen our faith. There are times we doubted the love of God or if God even existed; only to discover later on that we acted in foolishness having gone through some tough and revealing experiences that proves us wrong. Sometimes, coming to faith again in this manner, makes us twice stronger.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord God, strengthen our belief. When we go astray, please bring us back. Amen.