Lk 1: 57-66
Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father.
But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God.
Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Get With the Program
I like to talk. And that has both gotten me into and out of trouble, so I blather on and on and on. Zechariah has had his speech taken away because he questioned Gabriel’s message about the birth of John. To be fair, Mary asks basically the same question: “How?” But where was Zechariah’s heart when he asked? Because, if there’s one thing I know about an angel showing up and telling someone to do something, it usually doesn’t lead to the most comfortable life. And if that happened to me, I’d try to talk my way out of it.
What would mercy look like in that situation, when I am droning on with excuses, however well crafted or articulate they might be, over that still small voice? “Be quiet, Conor, and get with the program.” And I don’t think that is harsh, really. I mean, God’s plan, God’s “program,” it’s just plain better than mine. And he wants me to be a part of it. So, as I end the Advent season, I want to do the whole world a favor, and sit with God in silence, listening to that still small voice; I want to get with the program.
—Conor LoPiccolo is a theology teacher at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston, Texas.
Prayer
Lord God, you speak to us in many ways, sometimes through things that are obvious, but most often through the still small voice deep in our hearts. As we prepare to welcome you at Christmas, give us ears to hear your voice, and hearts are open to “getting with the program.” Amen
—Jesuit Prayer team