"As we reach the fourth day of our Misa de Gallo, we encounter two couples who could not have children: Manoah’s wife in the first read...
"As we reach the fourth day of our Misa de Gallo, we encounter two couples who could not have children: Manoah’s wife in the first reading, and Zechariah and Elizabeth in the Gospel. Our words are Barrenness, Belief, and Blessing.
First, Barrenness. Both readings describe the pain of emptiness. Elizabeth was 'advanced in years' and had no child. In the Jewish culture of that time, this was seen as a disgrace. We all have 'barren' areas in our lives—places where our efforts seem fruitful, where we feel dry, lonely, or hopeless. Maybe it's a broken dream, a relationship that won't heal, or a prayer that seems unanswered.
Second, Belief (and the struggle with it). When the angel Gabriel tells Zechariah he will have a son, Zechariah doubts. He looks at his old age rather than God's power. He asks, 'How shall I know this?' Because of his doubt, he is struck mute. Sometimes, our noise and our questions drown out God's voice. We analyze God instead of believing Him. Zechariah teaches us that sometimes, we need to be silenced so we can truly listen.
Third, Blessing. Despite Zechariah’s doubt, God remains faithful. Elizabeth conceives John the Baptist. She says, 'The Lord has deigned to take away my disgrace.' God loves to bring life out of barren places. He waits until we are out of options so that when the miracle comes, we know it is purely His blessing. If you feel empty today, prepare your heart. The Lord is coming to fill the barren spaces of your life with His grace."
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