rely not on your understanding (prv 3:5)
“How am I to know this?” —Luke 1:18
Zechariah was an “old man” (Lk 1:18). His “prayer [had] been heard” and answered (Lk 1:13). Now he was required to believe that God was “doing something new” (Is 43:19). Now Zechariah needed to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7), for he most likely would not have lived to see his son, St. John the Baptizer, minister to Israel.
Advent, and life, is not about us. It’s about preparing the way for Jesus (Mt 3:3). Whether we see the culmination of our life of faith, suffering, or ministry is not important. What is important is to believe, obey, love God and others, and do what we are called to do, so that others now and in a future beyond the span of our lives can be blessed.
The couple in today’s first reading is a model for our response to the Lord. They believed the word of the angel and made the request, “Teach us what to do” (Jgs 13:8). Instead of asking “How am I to know this?”, let’s ask, “How can I help prepare Your way, Lord?”
God is in control. We are His humble servants, occupied with leading “the life the Lord has assigned” us (1 Cor 7:17). We are called to trust in His providential love. Like Mary, believe and walk by faith (see Lk 1:38).
Prayer: Father, help me to rely not on my own understanding, but to trust in You with all my heart (Prv 3:5).
Promise: “Joy and gladness will be yours.” —Lk 1:14
Praise: “O Flower of Jesse’s stem, You have been raised up as a Sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in Your presence; the nations bow down in worship before You. Come, let nothing keep You from coming to our aid.”
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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