Readings: Malachi 3:1-4,23-24, Ps. 25:4-5,8-9,10,14, Luke 1:57-66
“‘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.’” (Luke 1:61-63)
In today’s first reading, the prophet Malachi writes: “Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me… he is like a refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver.” Like crude oil in the refinery, Zechariah was transformed by his nine-month silence. From doubting God’s existence, Zachariah prophesied: “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.” (Luke 1:76-77)
Instead of complaining (highlighting all the negatives), Zachariah sang praises to God. Silence refines our hearts by teaching us to listen more. We often assume we are listening but cannot do God’s will until we learn to be silent. In silence and stillness, Samuel heard God calling, and he said: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10). God has not stopped calling; we have only become too noisy.
Zachariah was given a writing tablet to name his child. His relatives wanted him to name the child Zechariah. However, his silence helped him remember the Angel’s words: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” (Luke 1:13-14).
Zechariah’s obedience to God’s instruction restored his ability to speak. When we obey God, we permit Him to carry out His will in our lives. Often, we behave as though we know better than God, only to find ourselves in a dead end like Jonah. If we persist in our sinfulness, we can never achieve all that God has planned for us.
The birth of John the Baptist was a turning moment for the entire community. All those who attended the naming ceremony wondered: “What would this child turn out to be?” This is a question that only God can answer. Never terminate the life of the unborn because you don’t know what will become of that child.
In the case of John the Baptist, we now know that he became the promised Elijah to come. As our first reading today says: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the land with a curse.” (Malachi 4:5-6)
Just like John the Baptist, each of us has a part to play in God’s plan. (Cf. Jeremiah 29:11). You were not born to pass the time and then die. You were born for a purpose. You will know your purpose when you cultivate the habit of silence. From the depths of your being, God will reveal what He wants you to do.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, as we see how the Nativity of your Son according to the flesh draws near, we pray that to us, your unworthy servants, mercy may flow from your Word, who chose to become flesh of the Virgin Mary and establish among us his dwelling, Jesus Christ our Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (23 December Liturgical Colour: Purple. Bible Study: Malachi 3:1-4,23-24, Ps. 25:4-5,8-9,10,14, Luke 1:57-66)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu