"But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.'"
(Luke 1:13-15)
The angel tells Zechariah that his prayer has been heard. This reassures us that God listens to our prayers and responds in His perfect timing, even if it takes longer than we expect.
Like John the Baptist who was given a specific purpose before his birth, God has a unique plan and purpose for each of our lives, and we are called to fulfill it. His blessings often bring joy not only to us but also to those around us. Let us live a life of holiness that is dedicated to God, filled with the Holy Spirit, and committed to His ways.
Reflecting on these verses can inspire us to trust in God's timing, seek His purpose for our lives, find joy in His blessings, and live lives dedicated to Him.
"Do not be afraid," the angel said,
"Zechariah, your prayer is heard.
Elizabeth will bear a son,
A joy and delight, for everyone.
Call him John, a name so bright,
He'll bring rejoicing, day and night.
Great in the sight of the Lord he'll be,
Filled with the Spirit, pure and free.
No wine or drink shall touch his lips,
In holiness, his life equips.
From before his birth, the Spirit's flame,
Will guide his path, proclaim his name.
A promise fulfilled, a prayer's sweet song,
In faith and hope, we all belong.
Rejoice, for God's great plan is clear,
In John's birth, His love draws near.
Lord Jesus,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, for Your promises and the fulfillment of our prayers. Just as You heard Zechariah's plea, hear our prayers and grant us Your peace.
We thank You for the joy and delight You bring, for the blessings that fill our lives. Help us to recognize Your hand in all things, and to rejoice in Your goodness and grace.
Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, guide us in Your ways, and help us to live lives that are pleasing to You. May we be a source of joy and blessing to others, reflecting Your love and light in all we do.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Infancy Narrative
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN
Luke 1:5-25
Gospel Acclamation
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!
Gospel | Luke 1:5-25
5 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. 8 Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, 9 according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. 10 Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, 11 the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, 16 and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 18 Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 20 But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. 23 Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 24 After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
