Thursday, December 19, 2019 - Third week of the Advent
Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Luke 1, 5-25
We are already 7 days away from Christmas; the Gospel invites us to reflect on the birth of John the Baptist, the precursor of the Messiah.

The emphasis on the advanced age of John's parents makes us aware that our human condition is limited, but God shows us that He is the Almighty; He knows how to help us and that nothing is impossible for him. Even as elders, they served the Lord in faith so the Lord answered their prayer and so they had their son.

However, the birth of John the Baptist is not yet this long-awaited birth; it is only a sign that precedes the birth of Jesus which is the full manifestation of the glory of God.

The gospel announces that Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous people in word and deed. Virtues who let their faith and hope be manifested. Virtues who allow us to obtain the charity by God and who made us persevere in faith.

Let us be initiated in this school of Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the baptist to marvel at God'greatness. So we can persevere in the service of the Lord and never forget the words of the angel to Zechariah "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard".