Gospel Reflection for: December 19, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Luke 1:5-25 NRSVCE
In Luke 1:5-25, we meet an elderly couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth. They’ve always been faithful to God, but they’ve never been able to have children. Then, one day, an angel appears to Zechariah in the temple and tells him that Elizabeth will have a baby! Zechariah is shocked and doubtful, but the angel assures him that this is God’s plan. This story isn’t just about a miraculous pregnancy; it’s about how God can surprise us, challenge our doubts, and fulfill His promises in unexpected ways.
1. When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned
Imagine you’ve been praying for something for a long time – maybe a healing, a job, or a relationship. You start to wonder if God is even listening. Zechariah and Elizabeth can relate. They longed for a child, but as they got older, it seemed impossible.
- We all face those moments when our hopes and dreams seem out of reach. This story reminds us that God’s timing is perfect. He might not answer our prayers in the way we expect or on our timetable, but He is always faithful to His promises.
2. Facing the Unexpected
When the angel appears to Zechariah, he’s terrified. It’s understandable, right? We’d probably be scared too if an angel suddenly appeared to us! But the angel tells him not to be afraid. This is a reminder that God’s plans might surprise us, but we can trust that He’s in control.
- Think about a time when something unexpected happened in your life – a sudden change, a new opportunity, or even a challenge you didn’t see coming. It can be unsettling, but it can also be an invitation to step out in faith and trust that God is leading you on a new adventure.
3. Wrestling with Doubt
Even though Zechariah is a priest, he doubts the angel’s message. He asks, “How can this be?” It’s a question we all ask sometimes, isn’t it? When God’s promises seem too good to be true or when His plans don’t make sense to us, we might struggle with doubt.
- This story reminds us that it’s okay to have questions and doubts. But it also encourages us to bring those doubts to God in prayer, trusting that He will answer us and strengthen our faith.
4. The Power of God’s Word
The angel tells Zechariah that he’ll be unable to speak until the baby is born because he didn’t believe the message. It’s a reminder that our words matter, and that doubting God’s promises can have consequences.
- Think about a time when you’ve spoken negatively about a situation or doubted someone’s abilities. Your words might have discouraged them or even prevented them from achieving their goals. This passage encourages us to speak words of faith and hope, trusting in God’s power to do the impossible.
5. A Baby and a Promise
Elizabeth does indeed become pregnant, just as the angel promised. It’s a reminder that God is faithful to his word. He keeps his promises, even when it seems impossible.
- This story gives us hope for the future. Even when things seem bleak or uncertain, we can trust that God is at work, fulfilling his promises and bringing about his purposes in our lives and in the world.
A Prayer for Faith and Trust:
God, thank you for the reminder that you are faithful to your promises, even when we struggle to believe. Help us to overcome our doubts, to trust in your power, and to be open to the unexpected ways you work in our lives. May our lives be a reflection of your love and grace. Amen.
Remember: God’s plans might not always make sense to us, but we can trust that He’s in control. Let’s approach Him with humility, faith, and a willingness to say “yes” to His call, even when it’s unexpected.
May God bless you as you share His love, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.