“…. the Angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, … Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. . … he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. … to prepare a people fit for the Lord.’
Mass Readings 12.15.14 – JGS 13:2-7, 24-25A – PS 71:3-4A, 5-6AB, 16-17 – LK 1:5-25
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FIRST READING: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25A
Samson is born to a previously barren woman, after his arrival is announced by an Angel.
… His wife was barren and had borne no children. An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said … ‘Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. … this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb. It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines. * * * The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; the Spirit of the LORD stirred him.
We note the theme of God as a the Source of Life, and the idea of a human being coming into being because of God, with the person and his life being Consecrated to God from the womb.
My mouth shall be filled with Your praise, and I will sing Your Glory!
The Archangel Gabriel visits Zechariah while he attends to his duties as a Jewish priest in the temple. The Archangel announces that Zechariah’s aging and barren wife, Saint Elizabeth, will become with child and bear Saint John the Baptist. John, in turn, a cousin of Jesus, will be a brief precursor and herald of the arrival of the Messiah.
…. the Angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. … he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn … the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.’
When Zechariah shows weakness of faith, questioning how it could, the Archangel renders him mute. Zechariah’s power of speech will return when John is born, and he has to confirm John’s name.
