Third Week of Advent, Monday — 19th December 2022 — Gospel: Luke 1,5-25
There is an Answer
Luke’s infancy accounts plunge us into the world of ancient Israel: Torah, temple and priesthood. Zechariah enters the temple’s inner sanctuary to play his priestly role by offering the incense, a symbol of intercession on behalf of his people to God. At this solemn moment of prayer through sacrificial offering, God acts on behalf of his people in sending his angelic messenger to Zechariah to announce the good news of his son’s birth. It includes an assurance and comfort that Zechariah’s prayer has been heard. This announcement indicates that God answers prayers in ways that far surpass human expectations (1,13.25). Zechariah and Elizabeth, as well as all the people of Israel, have prayed and waited for the announcement until that day in the temple. The long history of waiting is about to end, and the prayers of God’s people are about to be answered. The result is “joy and gladness” for John’s parents, and rejoicing by many in Israel (1,14), for through Zechariah salvation is promised for all and to him a son.
