Today (12/31/2023) is the Fourth Sunday of the Blessed month of Kiahk and today’s Gospel reading is from Luke 1:57-80. In this passage, St. John the Baptist is born, Zechariah is able to speak, and we read the prophecy of Zechariah. In this prophecy, Zechariah talks about what St. John the Baptist will do in the future.
It is first important to understand why Zechariah was originally muted in the first place. Going back to the first week of Kiahk, the Archangel Gabriel said in (v. 13) that the prayers of Zechariah were heard. However, later in the chapter the Archangel Gabriel says, “And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” (Luke 1:20). Only after he showed doubt (a lack of faith) was Zechariah silenced.
Zechariah was only unmuted after St. John the Baptist was born. Zechariah was punished for his lack of faith, but when he realized God’s glory, the Lord surprisingly gave Zechariah the gift of speech so he could tell others about the glory of God. St. Ambrose of Milan says, “See how good God is, quick to forgive sins: not only does He return what He has withdrawn, but He still bestows what we did not expect. This man, who has been silent for a long time, prophesies: for it is the height of God’s grace that those who had denied Him pay homage to Him.”
Likewise, as Christians, it is important to tell others about God’s glory and His grace. May we always come closer to Him so we can see His glory and share our testimonies with others.
Sources:
- Bible, English Standard Version
- Catena Bible Commentaries
- Ambrose on Luke 1 – Patristic Bible Commentary (google.com)