Sts Zechariah and Elizabeth

Word for the day

“Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.” Luke 1:6

Life

Zechariah was a priest of the order of Abijah, and his wife Elizabeth was of the family of Aaron. Luke tells us they were righteous before God, but they had no child, and both were getting old (Luke 1:5–7). While Zechariah was serving in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared and told him that Elizabeth would bear a son, to be called John. Because he doubted, Zechariah was struck mute until the promise was fulfilled.

When Mary, carrying Jesus, visited her kinswoman, the child leapt in Elizabeth's womb and she, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried: blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb (Luke 1:41–42). At John's naming Zechariah's tongue was loosed and he sang the Benedictus, which the Church prays every morning (Luke 1:67–79).

Lessons

Faithful in waiting

They kept praying and serving through long years without an answer.

God hears late prayers

Your prayer has been heard, the angel said: God's timing is not ours.

Praise when the tongue is loosed

Zechariah's first words after his silence were a song of praise.

Stories

The Visitation (history)

Elizabeth was the first to greet Jesus, hidden in Mary's womb, with the words that became the Hail Mary.

Homily

1. Righteous and childless

Holiness does not protect from sorrow; Zechariah and Elizabeth carried a painful emptiness with faith.

2. Your prayer has been heard

God answered in his time, with more than they asked: the forerunner of the Messiah.

3. The Benedictus

Silence turned into praise. Let our trials end in thanksgiving.

Dear friends, Zechariah and Elizabeth were good people with an unanswered prayer. Luke says they were righteous before God, yet they had no child, and in their world that was a deep sorrow. They did not stop praying or serving.

Then, when it seemed too late, the angel said: your prayer has been heard (Luke 1:13). God gave them John, who would prepare the way of the Lord. Zechariah doubted and fell silent; but when the child was named, his tongue was loosed and he sang: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel (Luke 1:68).

Some of us carry long-unanswered prayers. Let this holy couple teach us to keep our lamp burning, to keep serving, and to trust God's timing. And when the answer comes, let our first words be praise. Amen.

Prayer

Lord God, you heard the prayer of Zechariah and Elizabeth and gave them John, the forerunner of your Son. Through their prayers, keep us faithful in waiting and ready to praise you. Amen.